19 arrested for gambling

JAKARTA: Police arrested 19 alleged baccarat gamblers in the Bahari Apartments in North Jakarta on Tuesday.

The apartments were also temporarily closed.

Police detective chief Adj. Snr. Comr. Raja Erisman said the alleged gamblers, including a woman, were arrested following a two-day investigation based on a complaint, Antara reported.

Even though gambling is prohibited by law, there are many illegal gambling dens here. A recent survey by the University of Indonesia revealed that they can operate safely as they are backed by the police and the military.

Jakarta has proposed opening casinos in the Seribu Islands but it is opposed by the leading Muslims.--JP