West Sumatra Province Pushes for Local Rules to Protect Youth
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The West Sumatra provincial government is urging local governments (nagari and desa) to create regulations protecting young people from drugs and free association.
- This initiative aligns with Law No. 17 of 2022, emphasizing the integration of adat (customary law) and syarak (Islamic law).
- Local governments are implementing measures like restricting nightlife and suggesting foster parents for students to curb negative behaviors.
In a proactive move to safeguard its youth, the West Sumatra provincial government is strongly encouraging all village-level administrations, known as 'nagari' and 'desa,' to enact specific regulations aimed at protecting the younger generation. This directive underscores a deep concern over rising issues such as drug abuse, premarital relationships, and other deviant behaviors that threaten the moral fabric of the community.
The government of West Sumatra is encouraging the nagari and village governments in its territory to immediately draft nagari regulations (Pernag) or village regulations (Perdes) aimed at protecting the younger generation from the threat of drugs, free association, and other deviant behaviors.
The push for these local ordinances is rooted in the recently implemented Law No. 17 of 2022 concerning the Province of West Sumatra. This law emphasizes the principle of 'adat basandi syarak, syarak basandi kitabullah' – a philosophy where customary law is guided by religious principles, and religious principles are based on the Quran. By strengthening regulations at the grassroots level, the provincial government seeks to ensure that local customs and Islamic teachings effectively guide the behavior of young people.
The strengthening of regulations at the nagari level is in line with the implementation of Law Number 17 of 2022 concerning the Province of West Sumatra, which emphasizes adat basandi syarak, syarak basandi kitabullah.
Several nagari have already begun implementing protective measures, but the provincial government stresses the need for a more widespread and systematic approach. Governor Mahyeldi highlighted the importance of these regulations, particularly in areas with higher education institutions, urging for the establishment of 'foster parents' for students residing in dormitories and boarding houses to preemptively address potential issues. This reflects a comprehensive strategy that combines formal regulations with community-based support systems.
The regulation at the nagari and village level is considered important to control negative things that can damage the image of Ranah Minang.
In Padang Pariaman Regency, the local government, in collaboration with community, customary, and religious leaders, has taken a concrete step by issuing a joint decree to limit the operating hours of night entertainment, such as 'orgen tunggal' (live music performances), to 11:30 PM. This decision came in response to numerous public complaints, demonstrating a commitment to addressing community concerns and fostering a more conducive environment for the youth. The initiative reflects a strong local governance response to societal challenges, prioritizing the well-being and moral development of the younger generation.
We have limited the operating hours of night entertainment such as orgen tunggal until 11:30 PM.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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