Jakarta. A group of Muslim clerics and students visited the Industry Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Wednesday, demanding the immediate closure of a distillery in Serang, arguing that its presence is an affront to the predominantly Muslim community in Banten province.

The alcohol manufacturer, Balaraja Barat Indah, has faced repeated protests from religious leaders and students of Islamic boarding schools since it was established in 2019. The company produces several brands of wine with alcohol content ranging from 5 to 20 percent. Its operations have been suspended multiple times due to community protests.

Amal Faihan Maimun, the head of Subulussalam Islamic Boarding School, called for the permanent closure of the distillery, located in the Cikande Industrial Area, and urged that no similar manufacturer be allowed to operate in Banten.

"Ulemas, Muslim students, and community members strongly oppose the existence of any alcohol production facilities in Banten. We want the company’s license revoked or, at the very least, the facility relocated elsewhere," Amal said during the meeting with ministry officials.

Merrijantij Punguan Pintaria, the ministry’s director of the tobacco and beverage industries, assured the group that the company’s business license would be reviewed. She also said the ministry would coordinate with local authorities and law enforcement to determine further actions.

A day earlier, the same group voiced similar concerns during a visit to the Banten provincial legislature.

A spokesperson for Balaraja Barat Indah told Antara news agency that the company respects the views of the local community and is willing to cooperate with authorities to limit the distribution of its products.