The Village Government of Rantau Gedang, Bathin VIII District, Sarolangun Regency, continues to strengthen its commitment to creating a conducive environment. Since 2021, the village has officially banned all forms of nightlife activities through a Village Regulation (Perdes) drafted together with religious leaders, traditional leaders, and the Village Consultative Body (BPD).
The Head of Rantau Gedang Village, Zulman Manap, emphasized that the policy was taken as a preventive measure to protect the younger generation from the threats of drug abuse, alcohol, and criminal acts. The rule, which has been in place for three years, has now become a major instrument in preserving the dignity of the village while supporting Sarolangun's public security and order programs.
Far from being just an administrative rule, violators of this Village Regulation face severe consequences. Residents caught holding nightlife activities are required to pay a customary fine of 20 sacks of rice and a goat. Additionally, there are social sanctions in the form of ostracization from community events. For village officials proven to be in violation, the sanction is even stricter: dishonorable dismissal from office.
This progressive step by Rantau Gedang Village earned appreciation from the Regent of Sarolangun, H. Hurmin. He assessed that such firmness aligns with the regional government's efforts to shield the community from negative influences. The Regent also encouraged that this local wisdom-based enforcement model be replicated by other villages in the Sarolangun region to create a safer and more orderly environment.
