Indonesia’s ban on alcohol could come with its own health risks In places where alcohol is prohibited or seen as controversial, there are higher incidents of methanol poisoning, global data shows. A total ban on alcohol may increase incidents of smuggling and bribery. | Adek Berry / AFP The Indonesian House of Representatives plans to draft a bill that will criminalise the activities of producing, selling and buying, distributing, drinking and storing alcoholic beverages. Public health risks A total alcohol restriction could bring its own serious risk since more people could experience ill health or could die from methanol poisoning, a common consequence of the production of illicit and informally produced alcohol that does not meet quality and safety standards.