Introduction
Indonesia, a country with a Muslim majority, holds a unique perspective on alcohol consumption, reflected in its low per capita consumption and strict regulations. Analyzing data from 1970 to 2022 unveils interesting dynamics on how alcohol consumption has fluctuated over time, influenced by social, economic factors, and government policies. This writing aims to understand consumption trends, social and health impacts, and the policies regulating alcohol in Indonesia.
Data and Statistics Overview
1996 Alcohol Consumption Summary: The year 1996 marked a notably low per capita alcohol consumption in Indonesia, at just 0.13 liters. This analysis reveals a dominance of spirit consumption over beer, with virtually no wine consumption, illustrating the strong influence of religion and social norms.
Alcohol Consumption Trends 1970-1996: This period saw a 57.14% increase in consumption, though the levels remained low. This indicates socioeconomic changes and possible relaxation in social norms or policies.
Alcohol Consumption Trends 2015-2022: This era witnessed a decrease in consumption both in urban and rural areas, reflecting the effectiveness of public policies and a shift in health awareness.
Health and Social Impact
Domestic Violence (DV) and alcohol consumption are closely linked, with women more likely to experience DV if their partner uses alcohol or tobacco. The treatment costs for cancers related to alcohol consumption account for about 1.71% of the total cancer treatment costs, highlighting the importance of controlling alcohol consumption to minimize economic impacts.
Causes and Effects
Factors influencing alcohol consumption among teenagers include age, gender, and lack of parental attention to academic achievements. Alcohol is also frequently used before sexual intercourse among sex workers in Eastern Indonesia, increasing risky sexual behavior.
Policies and Regulations
Indonesia demonstrates strong control over alcohol advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, with tobacco receiving more policy attention over the last 15 years. Alcohol-related policies have received less focus, reflecting the influence of religious and social norms on alcohol consumption.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The analysis of alcohol consumption trends in Indonesia shows significant effects of government policies, social norms, and health awareness in reducing alcohol consumption. The decrease in consumption indicates the success of these initiatives, but it remains crucial to maintain and enhance prevention efforts, especially among teenagers and other at-risk groups. It is recommended that the government continues to strengthen alcohol control policies, raise awareness about health risks, and integrate education on the dangers of alcohol into the national education program.
HIFA profile: Jum'atil Fajar is Medical Care Director at RSUD, the Dr. H Soemarno Sosroatmodjo Hospital, in Indonesia. Professional interests: helping health professional to access up to date health and medical information to improve services. Jum'atil is a HIFA and CHIFA Country Representative. jumatil AT gmail.com
