Idea to localize gambling blasted<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): City councilors expressed outrage on Wednesday
\nat suggestions of gambling being localized in the capital, saying
\nthat it was against both the nation's laws and cultural values.<\/p>\n
Achmad Suaidy, head of the United Development Party (PPP)
\nfaction, said that should gambling be localized, it would not
\nonly incite the public but it would also defy the central
\ngovernment.<\/p>\n
"This is no longer about religion, or about being Muslim or
\nnon-Muslim. If gambling were localized, it would be tantamount to
\nproving that the law and religious values can be bypassed with
\nmoney," Achmad said.<\/p>\n
"Law No. 7\/1974 on gambling states that gambling is illegal
\nand those involved in it are punishable by law. If the law were
\nto be changed, only then could localized gambling be considered."<\/p>\n
He added that the governor should immediately clarify his
\nstatement about the "possibility of isolating gambling", before
\nirresponsible people, who have no respect for the nation's laws
\nor values, take charge.<\/p>\n
Ahmad and other councilors were of the opinion that the
\ngovernor clearly had not studied the law on gambling and its
\neffects, adding that he should have reviewed the matter before
\nproposing the possibility of localizing gambling.<\/p>\n
Achmad made the statement in response to Djafar Tirtosentono,
\nhead of the Thousand Islands Marine Tourism Association, who
\nsuggested two islands as possible gambling resorts.<\/p>\n
Djafar said the establishment of localized gambling sites
\nwould help increase city revenue.<\/p>\n
Councilor Sylviana Murni, a member of Commission A for
\nadministrative affairs, said the governor should not use Malaysia
\nas an example. The Malaysian government has localized gambling in
\nGenting Highlands.<\/p>\n
"Even though Malaysia is a Muslim-dominated nation, and
\nMuslims are forbidden to gamble, the Malaysians have their own
\ngovernment to make decisions for their nation," Sylviana said.<\/p>\n
"Our nation has long since decided that we will not allow
\ngambling. We will stick to the law to the end."<\/p>\n
Councilor Lukman Mokoginta of the Indonesia Democratic Party
\n(PDI) faction said that as long as there was a law on gambling,
\nnobody should consider localized gambling.<\/p>\n
City Council speaker Edy Waluyo said earlier that several city
\ncouncilors, who met with religious figures to discuss the matter,
\nadvised the administration to send selected preachers to Malaysia
\nafter Idul Fitri festivities to discuss, among other things, the
\ngambling issue with preachers there.<\/p>\n
Lukman said that after thorough consideration on the matter,
\nthe council would send a few of its members on a study trip to
\nMalaysia.<\/p>\n
"But believe me, the mission will not talk about gambling.
\nGambling is illegal here and will remain illegal as long as the
\nlaw exists," Lukman reiterated.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Tongam Tambunan of the public order office said
\nthat if gambling on the capital's streets was prohibited, then
\nthere should be no question of localizing gambling anywhere in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
"It is impossible that gambling will be localized here. We
\nofficers even end up arresting housewives who gamble in the
\ncity's slum areas, let alone gambling on a big scale," Tongam
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
"Localizing gambling will never happen." (ylt)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/idea-to-localize-gambling-blasted-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }