Thursday, June 4, 2009

Poisonous Liquor in Bali & Lombok

Bali & Lombok are two popular destinations in Indonesia, and as such they have become very important sources of foreign currency income.
Therefore, it is very important for our country to maintain conditions which are favorable for foreign tourists, so that more would want to come.

Apparently, there have been disturbing news about Bali & Lombok i.e. about the death of more than 23 people, including at least 4 European and American tourists, after drinking local made Liquor.

VOA reported that the first victims arrived at the Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar-Bali, more than one week ago. According to the hospital's head of Forensic Department i.e Dr Ida Bagus Putu Alit, all the victims were attacked by acute intoxication by methanol. As a result, they will coma, unconscious, after that renal failure and also go blind.

Meanwhile, BBC reported that the victims have drunk Arak i.e Wine made from Rice or Palm, tainted with methanol. Because of that, more than 50 foreigners and local people have been taken ill. Such local brews have become increasingly popular because imported alcohol is expensive, with the government imposing taxes of up to 400%.
The local Police is currently investigating the case, and they have questioned two suspects.

Considering the important role that Bali & Lombok have played as Indonesia's sources of foreign currency income, I hope that investigation of the case would be carried out thoroughly ASAP, and those responsible would be punished accordingly.

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