A number of ulama (Islamic scholars) and religious figures from Serang City paid a courtesy visit to the residence of the charismatic Banten figure, KH Abuya Muhtadi Dimyati, in Cidahu, Pandeglang. The meeting aimed to seek blessings and moral support in monitoring the deliberation of the Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on the Implementation of Tourism Businesses, which is currently being drafted by the local government.
The religious leaders expressed concern over the draft regulation, which is feared to potentially create loopholes for the legalization of nightlife venues and the distribution of alcoholic beverages (miras) in Serang City. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the dignity of Serang City as a religious region that upholds cultural values and religious norms.
Responding to these aspirations, KH Abuya Muhtadi Dimyati firmly expressed his support to ensure that policies legalizing alcohol are not passed. Through his official statement, the senior Banten scholar urged that the regulation, which harms public morality, be rejected for the well-being of the citizens of Serang City.
Meanwhile, a member of the Serang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) from the PKS Faction, Erna Yuliawati, expressed appreciation for the advice and guidance provided by Abuya Muhtadi. According to her, the support from this charismatic scholar strengthens legislators to remain consistent in maintaining local policies aligned with the vision of Serang City as a civil (madani) society.
Previously, objections to the Draft Regional Regulation on Tourism had been raised by several factions in the Serang City DPRD, including the PKS, PPP, Golkar, and PKB factions. They demanded the deletion or revision of Article 46 paragraph (2), Article 46 paragraph (9), and Article 59 so that they do not become legal loopholes for the legalization of alcohol and nightlife. To date, the discussion on the draft regulation is still ongoing.
