Alcohol Sales and Intoxication: The Most Frequent Public Order Violations in Indonesia Through July 2023

According to data from the Indonesian National Police's National Criminal Information Center (Pusat Informasi Kriminal Nasional/Pusiknas) (Polri), there were 6,156 reported violations of public order and security (kamtibmas) throughout Indonesia from January to July 2023.

During this period, the most frequently reported kamtibmas violations were the sale of alcoholic beverages (miras), followed by public intoxication that disrupted order.

The following is a complete list of the 7 most frequently reported kamtibmas violations to the Indonesian National Police from January to July 2023:

1. Sale of alcoholic beverages: 3,596 cases
2. Public intoxication disrupting order: 1,165 cases
3. Begging on public roads: 915 cases
4. Petty theft: 290 cases
5. Minor assault: 41 cases
6. Singing songs, giving speeches, displaying images/writings that violate public decency: 10 cases
7. Other violations: 4 cases

Polri also noted that the most kamtibmas violations were found in the East Java Regional Police (Polda Jawa Timur) jurisdiction, totaling 4,127 cases.

The locations where violations most frequently occurred were residential areas, with 2,634 cases.

Not all acts that disrupt kamtibmas are punishable by imprisonment. For example, in the case of selling alcoholic beverages, the seller is only threatened with imprisonment if they sell alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated.

This provision is stipulated in Article 424 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which reads: "Anyone who sells or provides intoxicating drinks or substances to someone who is already intoxicated shall be punished with a maximum imprisonment of one (1) year or a fine of at most category II (or Rp10 million)."

Similarly, intoxicated individuals are only threatened with a fine if they disturb public order and threaten the safety of others.

This is written in Article 316 Paragraph 1 of the KUHP, which reads: "Anyone who is intoxicated in a public place, disturbing order or threatening the safety of others, shall be punished with a fine of at most category II (or Rp10 million)."

(See also: There were 585 suicide cases until June 2023, most in Central Java)