Authorities face recurring challenges as unlicensed alcohol vendors evade crackdowns in Tanjunguban
Illegal alcohol sales in Bintan have once again drawn public attention, with vendors in Tanjunguban playing cat-and-mouse with law enforcement despite repeated raids.
Persistent Issue of Illegal Alcohol
The circulation of unlicensed alcoholic beverages, commonly referred to as mikol, remains a pressing issue in Bintan. Public attention heightened after a viral social media post exposed rampant illegal sales in Tanjunguban, Bintan Utara. Despite repeated enforcement actions, vendors often continue operations, hiding stock during raids and resuming sales shortly afterward.
Enforcement Efforts by Satpol PP
Head of Satpol PP Bintan, Suwarsono, confirmed ongoing patrols and operations targeting community issues (penyakit masyarakat), including unlicensed alcohol sales. “We come, they hide, then they sell again the next day,” he explained via phone, emphasizing the challenges of enforcement with limited resources.
Legal Framework and Regulations
Authorities reminded vendors of local regulations, particularly Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 5/2020 on the Control and Supervision of Alcoholic Beverages. This law strictly prohibits sales outside permitted venues. Additionally, Perda No. 2/2016 on Public Order mandates adherence to business operating hours, which has become a recurring concern with karaoke venues often staying open until 2 a.m.
Recent Raids and Evidence
During the latest raid, Satpol PP confiscated 79 cans of unlicensed alcohol. The items are now under legal process, classified as a minor offense. Despite this seizure, authorities admit enforcement alone is not enough without broader compliance from business owners.
Coordination with Police and TNI
To strengthen enforcement, Satpol PP works closely with the police and the TNI. However, according to Bintan Utara Police Chief Kompol Nurman, confirming reports of illegal sales requires direct field checks, and investigations are ongoing to verify claims about cafes selling alcohol without licenses.
Broader Implications for Bintan
The recurring cat-and-mouse dynamic highlights the tension between business practices and regulatory enforcement in Kepulauan Riau. For residents, it raises concerns over public order, while for policymakers, it underscores the need for stricter compliance mechanisms. The issue also resonates across the Singapore–Indonesia corridor, where cross-border tourism depends on a safe and orderly environment.
The persistence of illegal alcohol sales in Bintan illustrates the difficulty of balancing business interests, public order, and legal enforcement. While Satpol PP and police continue to tighten oversight, sustainable solutions will require cooperation from business owners and stronger adherence to local regulations, ensuring both community safety and regional credibility.
Sources: Batam Today (2025) , Batam Pos (2025)
Keywords: Bintan Illegal Alcohol, Satpol PP Bintan, Tanjunguban Alcohol Sales, Kepulauan Riau Enforcement, Bintan Public Safety
