…Indonesians, with the considerable help of tourists, drink more beer now than last year. Consumption is up about 30%. Which is proof prospering people overcame pestering tax authorities that imposed 300% excise on this beverage.
Most people who don’t want to live a life of asceticism spice it with a few minor vices. To embellish their existence some therefore occasionally indulge in shopping, others sometimes spend a few hours too much on sinetrons, many are in the habit of smoking.
Barley beer also can be one of the small naughty pleasures in life .Our revered ancestors with their ancient wisdom already drank the intoxicating liquid. And who are we to challenge their judgement 
. Beer played even a sympathetic role in the four thousand years old Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh. If that isn’t a majestic pedigree, what is.
Of course excessive or addictive drinking, like smoking or eating for that matter, will ruin your health and life. But, believe me, if you drink one or two cool pints twice a week it’s lifts one’s mood. Moreover, it’s harmless, innocent and an exercise in moderation. On top of that it helps not just to endure but to enjoy even the company of annoying friends and strangers . That’s why Indonesians usually are nice company: the official statistics indicate Indonesians drink a decent amount of 0.8 litres beer on average each year >;]. So the liquid is pretty common. It may be expensive, but at least one can quench one’s thirst with Pilsners like Bintang or Heineken, Budweiser or Carlsberg almost everywhere in the archipelago.
Yet there remains much to wish for. These baby-beers don’t compare to the real thing. Real connoisseurs prefer Belgium or German cloister beers brewed in monasteries or convents. Life could be so much nicer with superior Weihenstephan, Trappist Beer or Tripel around. And, for people like me who prefer a glass of wine, an occasional bottle of Bordeaux or Burgundy for a decent price would add to the joy of a visit to Indonesia .
So let’s toast to a relaxed and liberal attitude towards alcohol among mundane and religious authorities .
