Hot debate on gambling cools the business<\/p>\n
Ahmad Junaidi and Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta\/Bukittinggi<\/p>\n
The ongoing heated debate on gambling has forced owners of
\nillegal gambling centers in the city to temporarily close their
\nestablishments.<\/p>\n
The centers, many bearing the name amusement center or
\nrecreation center, located along Jl. Gajah Mada, Jl. Hayam Wuruk
\nand downtown Kota in West Jakarta were seen closed on Sunday.<\/p>\n
A parking attendant in front of the four-story Pelangi
\nrecreation center on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Yadi, said he did not know
\nwhy many centers have closed for almost two weeks.<\/p>\n
\"Maybe Ibu Mega does not approve of the gambling business. I
\ndon't know when they will re-open,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The center's parking lot, usually crowded with cars, was also
\nempty.<\/p>\n
Sources at City Hall said that the closure was also triggered
\nby a \"war\" between crooked military and police officers, who
\ncurrently back the illegal business.<\/p>\n
A study from the University of Indonesia reported that the
\nofficers receive, at least, Rp 150 million (US$15,873) from one
\ncasino a night as \"protection money\".<\/p>\n
Businessman Rizaf Thaib, whose foundation Bina Dana Sosial
\nearlier made a proposed to the city administration to manage
\ngambling centers in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand islands), said the
\nclosure was sparked by the press which had \"blown up\" the issue.<\/p>\n
\"They're afraid. It's also because the press said that certain
\npolice and military officers receive money from the gambling dens
\nhere,\" Rizaf told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
He said it was only a temporary closure and the centers would
\nresume operation once the issue died down.<\/p>\n
Vice President Hamzah Haz condemned for the second time
\nGovernor Sutiyoso's plan to localize casinos in the Thousands
\nIslands.<\/p>\n
Speaking in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, while attending the
\n29th anniversary of the United Development Party (PPP) on
\nSaturday, Hamzah said the governor should focus more on the
\npeople's economic development.<\/p>\n
\"It is irrelevant to speak about the plan to localize
\ngambling. It's better to tell people how to make use of their
\nmoney,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Hamzah, who is also PPP chairman, encouraged Sutiyoso to
\nforget the idea of building casinos on the islands and reiterated
\nthat his party objected to the plan.<\/p>\n
Many institutions, particularly the Indonesian Ulemas Council
\n(MUI), have voiced their objection toward the plan.<\/p>\n
Kepulauan Seribu Regent K. Abdul Kadir announced two weeks ago
\nthat several investors have submitted proposals to manage casinos
\non the islands. The idea was quickly supported by Sutiyoso.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso urged the central government to review regulations
\nthat ban gambling throughout the country. The Criminal Code also
\nstates that gambling is prohibited unless it is permitted by the
\nauthorities.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/hot-debate-on-gambling-cools-the-business-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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