'Be consistent. Gambling is a crime'<\/p>\n
Gambling, which is illegal in the country, is a common activity
\namong certain circles in the capital, reportedly due to military
\nand police backing. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their
\nresponse to former governor Ali Sadikin's suggestion that the
\nprofitable business be made legal.<\/p>\n
Intan, 23, is a student of a private university in Central
\nJakarta. She lives with her family in Manggarai, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I don't believe legalizing gambling will make a difference to
\nthe current situation in the capital.<\/p>\n
Many other problems, including bribery and lack of morals,
\nneed to be addressed before the introduction of such a policy.<\/p>\n
Without firm law enforcement, we can forget resolving the
\ngambling problem that often triggers gang brawls.<\/p>\n
I am not a supporter of the idea as there is no guarantee that
\nlegalizing gambling in a limited zone would discourage the
\nactivity. My hunch is that it would only become more popular.<\/p>\n
Asdar, 39, runs a night school in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.
\nHe lives with his wife in Puri Gading, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
Do I think legalizing gambling would increase city revenue?
\nNot a chance. Past experiences have shown that such a policy only
\nbenefits several officials, not the public, as the money is prone
\nto corruption.<\/p>\n
Let us be consistent. If we perceive -- and I believe most
\npeople do -- gambling as a crime, then we should demolish all
\ngambling dens in the city, and put the owners behind bars.<\/p>\n
I think by trying to legalize gambling, the administration is
\nadmitting that it lacks the power to enforce the law that
\nprohibits gambling in the country. To conceal its inabilities,
\nthe administration pretends the issue is one of bigger revenue.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/be-consistent-gambling-is-a-crime-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }