Bali to speed up legalization of arak

DENPASAR, kanalbali.com - Bali Governor I Wayan Koster declared on Monday (11/2) that his administration would speed up the legalization of arak, saying that it is an important attempt to boost local economy.

Koster said that the administration would focus to increase cultural and society based economy. "Some economic sectors that have to be given more attention are fisheries, agriculture, and Bali local industry. The local industry, including arak," he said in a meeting with Bali legislative Council on Monday.

Koster said that he would lodge the revision of minister decree, to make its possible for Balinese arak as a legal beverage. "How could beer and other alcoholic beverage are sold in Bali. Meanwhile arak, our local product, can not be sold," he said.

He added that Balinese arak has become a favorite beverage that are produced by local people. Many local community, particularly in Karangasem, produce arak. "This is the real community-based economy. Therefore, arak must be legalized," he emphasized.

However, before legalize arak, he emphasized that his administration would increase the quality of arak production to guarantee that arak have a good quality and the alcohol level could be decreased.

"As ilegal beverage, arak now can be sold for Rp 100,000 per bottle. The price will be increase if government give more attention," Koster said. (kanalbali/LSU)