VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Mar. 3 - Mathla'ul Anwar has heaped praise on President Joko Widodo for revoking a presidential regulation allowing investments in the liquor industry.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), he listened to the aspirations of multi-faith communities," Mathla'ul Anwar general chairman KH Ahmad Sadeli Karim said here on Tuesday.

As a Muslim organization, the Mathla'ul Anwar was completely opposed to the government’s decision to allow investments in the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages and their trade in Indonesia, he told local journalists.

President Widodo on Tuesday announced his decision to reverse Presidential Regulation No. 10 of 2021 on Investment that regulates investment permits for the liquor industry.

Appearing on the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, Widodo said he had revoked the regulation's attachment on the liquor industry-related investment permit.

He said he had based his decision on inputs from several figures, including the Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI), and regions.

Widodo’s decision was also lauded by Mardani Ali Sera, a legislator from the opposition camp at the House of Representatives (DPR).

According to Sera, the President had finally paid heed to the sentiments and inputs of different elements of the society.

"A lesson stands to be learnt from this matter -- that building a nation necessitates upholding principles," he remarked.

He said President Widodo's decision ultimately reflected his attention to the public's voice, though all stood to take a cue from this case for the future.

“Mr. President alone has affirmed that development of Indonesia's human resources is directed to be (his administration's) main priority," he stated.

Reversing the controversial decision would salvage the government's prioritized programs that have been firmly prepared by President Widodo, he remarked.

Sera also urged Widodo to trace back how the liquor industry-investment permit was adopted in the attachment.

"I laud the decision because he has paid attention to the public's voices. Please, do not allow such a similar decision be taken again," he emphasized.

Early this week, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) had officially voiced its opposition to the government's decision to open up investment in the liquor industry.  (Antaranews)