Indonesian Islamic parties seek ban on alcohol consumption

Jakarta: Two Islamic parties have proposed legislation to ban all consumption of alcoholic drinks and hand jail terms of up to two years to offenders in Indonesia, home to the world`s largest Muslim population.

It was not clear how much parliamentary support the measure would gain, with one minister expressing concern about its possible impact on tourism.

A lawmaker for one of the parties said the bill, which could become law by the end of this year, was driven by health concerns, rather than ideology.

"This is not a religious or ideological issue," Abdul Hakim of the Prosperous Justice Party told Reuters. "This is purely for the protection of the children of the nation."

The bill aims to ban the sale, production, distribution and consumption of beverages with an alcohol content exceeding one percent, including local brews such as rice wine popular in many parts of the sprawling archipelago.

To become law it would have to be signed by President Joko Widodo, who has adopted a hard line against drug offenders since taking office last October.

The government has yet to discuss its position on the bill, but a senior minister warned a blanket ban could hurt tourism.

"We must not let the regulation be excessive because it could kill tourism potential," said Chief Economics Minister Sofyan Djalil. "For some people from the West, alcohol is a part of their lifestyle."

To protect tourism, the law envisages exemptions for five-star hotels and the resort island of Bali.