Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X calls for stricter regulations on alcohol sales, particularly online, following growing public concern over rising gang violence cases.

"District heads and mayors can issue specific provisions, but current local regulations are outdated and don't address online sales," he said on Wednesday in Yogyakarta. "We need to regulate online purchases to control distribution effectively."

Highlighting alcohol's negative social impacts, the governor urged district heads and mayors to enact relevant regulations soon. "The distribution of alcohol, particularly online, must be re-regulated. Violators should face penalties. Responsibility for beverages over 5 percent alcohol rests with the district or city," he emphasized.

The Yogyakarta Community Forum (FKYB) Coordinator Waljito emphasized that alcohol often incites conflict and violence in Yogyakarta. "Violence incidents are frequently triggered by alcohol, so tighter distribution controls are necessary," he said.

On Tuesday, thousands of students, voicing their frustrations over illegal alcohol circulation, protested at the Yogyakarta Regional Police Headquarters. This followed a stabbing incident in Krapyak, Bantul, where the suspects, reportedly under the influence, assaulted a student. The police have since detained five individuals linked to the attack.