Activist warns of gambling activities

BOGOR (JP): An activist of the All-Indonesian Workers Union Federation has threatened to mobilize people to hold protests if the local administration does not close a gambling den in Sukasari, south of Bogor.

Group coordinator Kadra Kosasih said he made repeated reports to the police of the gambling activities at a shop-house on Jl. Siliwangi.

"But no measures have been taken," he said.

"The last time I filed the report to the police, they said that only a mass action would be able to shut the place down."

Kadra said he once visited the shop-house with three local officials.

"But the officials ended up being rebuked by the owner of the place, who claimed to have a brother who is a military commander in eastern Indonesia," Kadra said.

Bogor administration spokesman Hari Harsono said city officials would check on the building permit of the establishment as part of the continuing investigation into the allegations.

"But it is the police's authority to raid and catch the gambling operator," he said. (24/edt)