Surabaya, Indonesia Sentinel — Ice cream stand selling products allegedly containing up to 40% alcohol in a Surabaya mall has triggered public outcry and prompted swift action from local authorities. The stand has been shut down by authorities for further investigation.
The stand, which offered alcohol-themed ice cream flavors, gained attention on social media earlier this week. Following the online backlash, Surabaya’s Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) sealed off the ice cream booth on Tuesday, April 8.
“Although the vendor possessed a business registration number, they failed to provide specific permits related to the use of alcohol in their food products,” said Fikser Mora, head of Satpol PP Surabaya.
The closure was carried out in accordance with Regional Regulation No. 1/2023, which governs the sale and distribution of alcohol in the city.
Authorities confiscated seven boxes of ice cream, four of which were submitted to the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) for lab testing to determine the actual alcohol content.
“The samples were sent to BPOM Surabaya today to be analyzed and verified,” Fikser said. “We want to know whether the alcohol is just a flavoring or if it truly contains high alcohol levels. This is important to prevent misinformation.”
BPOM Surabaya confirmed receipt of the samples and has begun laboratory analysis using distillation and gas chromatography techniques. The agency states that the process may take up to 14 working days.
“We will report the test results directly to Satpol PP for further action,” said Budi Sulistyowati, Acting Head of BPOM Surabaya.
Fikser states that if tests reveal an alcohol content of 24% or higher, the case may be escalated to possible revocation of the business license and permanent closure of the stand.
“If the product contains alcohol and lacks the necessary permits, we will proceed with sanctions in coordination with other relevant agencies,” Fikser explained.
The incident has also drawn attention from religious leaders. East Java’s Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) strongly condemned the sale of alcohol-laced ice cream.
KH Mohammad Hasan Mutawakkil ‘Alallah, Chairman of MUI East Java states that an ice cream product containing alcohol is clearly haram and forbidden in Islam.
He urged the public to exercise caution when selecting food and beverages, emphasizing the importance of verifying halal certification and BPOM approval.
Read Also:
Paracetamol Ice Cream in Netherlands Goes Viral, Is it Really For Sale?
Meanwhile, Surabaya officials pledged to intensify inspections of food and beverage establishments across the city. “Our enforcement teams will continue monitoring potential illegal alcohol sales, whether in malls, convenience stores, or other venues,” said Yudhistira, Head of Local Regulation Enforcement at Satpol PP Surabaya.
Dinkopdag Surabaya, led by Dewi Soeriyawati, stated it is awaiting the lab results before deciding on formal sanctions.
As the investigation continues, the case has highlighted broader concerns over product safety and regulatory oversight in Indonesia’s growing food and beverage industry.
(Raidi/Agung)
