In recent years, the fight against the rampant circulation of illegal alcoholic beverages, commonly known in Indonesia as miras (minuman keras), has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges in Papua Barat (West Papua). Community leaders, lawmakers, religious figures, and government officials all agree that alcohol abuse has contributed not only to moral degradation but also to a worrying surge in crime, poverty, and social conflict across the region.
The struggle against alcohol is not new in Papua. For decades, civil society groups have raised alarms about the destructive impact of alcohol consumption on local communities. However, with alcohol-related crimes continuing to climb, the issue has once again taken center stage, forcing a broader discussion about synergy between government, parliament, police, and society in combating this deeply rooted problem.
Alcohol as a Root of Social Problems
In many urban centers of West Papua—particularly Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak—illegal alcohol has become easily accessible despite existing regulations. According to local legislators, the circulation of unlicensed liquor remains rampant, with small kiosks and hidden supply chains fueling the market.
The consequences are visible. Police records in several districts show a strong correlation between alcohol consumption and violent crimes, including domestic abuse, street brawls, and even murder. Community leaders warn that alcohol is eroding traditional Papuan values of solidarity and communal harmony while also worsening economic conditions by trapping families in cycles of poverty.
“Alcohol is destroying our young generation. It weakens discipline, encourages violence, and prevents people from pursuing education or productive work,” said one legislator during a parliamentary session in Manokwari, highlighting the urgency of stricter control.
Parliament’s Call for Synergy
The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) for Papua has repeatedly called for stronger cooperation between government institutions, police, and the wider community in addressing the crisis.
In a recent statement, MPR representatives urged local administrations to treat alcohol abuse not merely as a law enforcement issue but as a cross-sectoral challenge requiring education, health initiatives, and economic alternatives for vulnerable populations.
“The synergy between parliament, government, and society is crucial,” said an MPR member quoted by Antara News. “We cannot expect the police alone to shoulder the responsibility. Community involvement and the commitment of local leaders are equally vital.”
This perspective underscores a growing consensus: that the war against alcohol cannot be won through raids and arrests alone but requires holistic measures that address the root causes of demand and distribution.
Local Governments Step Up
Several local governments in Papua Barat have begun introducing regulations aimed at tightening alcohol circulation. The Manokwari Regency government, for instance, has issued local laws (perda) restricting the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, with enforcement carried out through regular inspections.
Yet, as Kompas reported, challenges remain immense. Illegal distributors are quick to adapt, often operating in hidden networks that are difficult for authorities to track. At the same time, economic incentives for traders to sell alcohol—given the high demand and profit margins—make it a persistent temptation.
Despite these obstacles, officials remain determined. “We are committed to protecting the future of Papuan youth. Alcohol may bring short-term profit, but it destroys entire generations in the long run,” said one Manokwari government representative during a crackdown on illegal alcohol sales.
The Role of Religious and Customary Leaders
Religious institutions have long played a key role in shaping moral discourse in Papua, and many church leaders have spoken out against the spread of alcohol. The Badan Musyawarah Antar-Gereja Nasional (National Inter-Church Consultative Body, or BAMAGNAS) Papua Barat recently reminded regional governments to intensify monitoring and enforcement, stressing that alcohol abuse not only threatens security but also spiritual and cultural identity.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders often invoke the Papuan philosophy of Satu Tungku Tiga Batu—a symbol of unity and balance among different groups in society—to argue that alcohol undermines communal harmony. For them, the fight against alcohol is not simply about law and order but about safeguarding the very fabric of Papuan culture.
Police and Law Enforcement Challenges
The Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) remain at the forefront of enforcement efforts. Raids against illegal liquor shops are conducted regularly, with thousands of bottles confiscated each year. However, the persistence of alcohol circulation highlights the limitations of policing in isolation.
Officers admit that without strong community cooperation, their operations often only scratch the surface. “We can confiscate alcohol today, but tomorrow, new supplies arrive. This cycle will not end unless society itself rejects alcohol and supports regulation,” a police spokesperson told Tribrata News Papua.
Moreover, limited resources and vast, difficult terrain make enforcement especially challenging. With many communities spread across remote areas, controlling every entry point for alcohol becomes a logistical nightmare.
A Debate Over Legalization
In recent months, a controversial debate has emerged in Manokwari over proposals to legalize and regulate alcohol sales. Proponents argue that legalization could make the industry more transparent and allow governments to collect taxes, while opponents warn it would accelerate social decay.
One vocal critic, quoted by Teropong News, described attempts at legalization as “a barometer of the destruction of the golden generation of indigenous Papuans.” For these critics, legalization would betray the struggle to protect local communities from the devastating impact of alcohol abuse.
Community Resistance and Grassroots Efforts
Beyond government halls and police operations, grassroots movements have also risen to confront the problem. Local youth groups and NGOs organize campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol, often linking it to broader struggles against poverty and inequality.
Some communities have even imposed their own customary bans, prohibiting the sale of alcohol within village boundaries. These grassroots actions highlight a sense of ownership and responsibility among ordinary Papuans who no longer wish to see their neighborhoods ravaged by alcohol-related problems.
The Human Cost of Alcohol
Statistics only tell part of the story. Behind every case of alcohol-related crime lies a family torn apart, a life lost too soon, or a young person robbed of their future. Journalists covering the issue in Manokwari often encounter tragic accounts: a father unable to provide for his children because of his addiction, or a teenager imprisoned after committing violence under the influence.
For many Papuans, these stories resonate deeply, fueling anger but also determination to break the cycle. It is this human dimension that makes the fight against alcohol more than just a policy issue—it is a moral and cultural struggle to preserve the dignity of the Papuan people.
Towards a Collective Solution
As debates continue and enforcement intensifies, one lesson is clear: no single institution can solve the alcohol problem in Papua Barat alone. Success will require a shared commitment across multiple layers of society.
Parliament must continue to push for strong legal frameworks. Local governments must enforce regulations with consistency. Police must dismantle illegal networks with determination. Religious and traditional leaders must inspire moral rejection of alcohol. And communities must resist the lure of quick profits from alcohol sales, prioritizing the long-term health of their people.
Only through such synergy can Papua Barat hope to overcome the scourge of alcohol and secure a future where its youth can thrive free from addiction and violence.
Conclusion
The circulation of illegal alcohol in West Papua is more than a matter of law enforcement—it is a battle for the soul of society. At stake are not only public safety and economic well-being, but also the moral and cultural integrity of Papuan communities.
The fight will not be easy. Powerful economic incentives, logistical challenges, and deeply entrenched habits stand in the way. But with sustained synergy between parliament, government, police, religious leaders, and society, there is hope for real progress.
In the words of one Papuan legislator: “This is not just about controlling alcohol. It is about saving our future.”