The discussion on the Serang City Tourism Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) has garnered attention from the legislature. The National Awakening Party (PKB) Fraction of the Serang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has firmly declared its rejection of several articles regulating the distribution of alcoholic beverages and nightlife operations in the region.
Despite rejecting these sensitive points, the PKB Fraction considers that the draft regulation generally carries a positive mission, particularly in boosting the local tourism sector. One point receiving full support is the plan to optimize religious tourism destinations, which is expected to boost Regional Original Income (PAD).
The Chairman of the PKB Fraction of the Serang City DPRD, Tatang Ruhiyat, explained that the Tourism Raperda draft is currently still in the early stages of review by the Regional Regulation Formation Body (Bapemperda). According to him, all legal materials within it will be thoroughly examined before moving to the ratification stage.
Tatang emphasized that his party's rejection is focused on Article 46 and Article 59, which are closely related to nightclub activities, discotheques, and the sale of alcoholic beverages. His party believes that these clauses have the potential to bring negative impacts on the social fabric of the Serang City community.
Regarding the distribution of alcohol, the PKB Fraction proposed that the local government maintain the old regulation, which limits the sale of alcohol only to five-star hotels. Given that Serang City currently only has four-star hotel facilities, the old rule is deemed sufficient to limit its distribution; it is now a matter of the commitment of law enforcement officers to consistently enforce the law.
The discussion on this regulation is projected to take up to a year. Therefore, the PKB Fraction urges that the drafting process involve various elements of society at large, including religious and community leaders, to create a tourism policy that aligns with local values.
