Batam says no to gambling

Batam says no to gambling

BATAM, Riau: The Batam Development Authority has rejected any
proposal to allow gambling on the industrial island, Antara
reported on Monday.

"We are not even considering the idea. We have even banned
ships that have gambling facilities on board from entering Batam
waters," Ismeth Abdullah, the head of the agency, said.

"We want to rectify the image of Batam as a city for gambling
and sex, by developing tourism facilities with religious values,"
he said.

Batam has become a popular getaway resort for Singaporeans,
some of whom go there regularly because of the prostitution and
gambling facilities. (04)