VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

West Java Provincial Police Chief Inspector General Agung Budi Maryoto has confirmed the death toll of bootleg alcohol case surged to 61.

"Of the 61 victims, 42 were in Cicalengka, seven in Bandung, two in Cianjur, seven in Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi, and one in Ciamis," Maryoto said in Bandung on Sunday.

The West Java police investigated the case to look for producers and sellers of the homemade alcohol that claimed many lives, he said. At least 82 people died recently after consuming adulterated alcoholic drinks containing toxic substances in Jakarta and West Java. Several others were sick and hospitalized early this month after consuming bootleg alcohol tainted with various ingredients including mosquito repellent. At least 12 people were detained Jakarta and West Java on suspicion of making and selling the illegal liquor.

Deputy Chief of the National Police Commissioner General Syafruddin earlier stated that the police had set a target to make Indonesia free of bootleg alcohol by the end of April 2018 or before the upcoming Ramadhan fasting month.

According to Syafruddin, the case of homemade alcohol locally called "miras oplosan" is a classic issue that has now re-emerged as a new trend.

"This is an old crime but is being committed through a new method. This crime has long been committed in the community," he remarked.