'Be consistent. Gambling is a crime'

Gambling, which is illegal in the country, is a common activity among certain circles in the capital, reportedly due to military and police backing. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their response to former governor Ali Sadikin's suggestion that the profitable business be made legal.

Intan, 23, is a student of a private university in Central Jakarta. She lives with her family in Manggarai, South Jakarta:

I don't believe legalizing gambling will make a difference to the current situation in the capital.

Many other problems, including bribery and lack of morals, need to be addressed before the introduction of such a policy.

Without firm law enforcement, we can forget resolving the gambling problem that often triggers gang brawls.

I am not a supporter of the idea as there is no guarantee that legalizing gambling in a limited zone would discourage the activity. My hunch is that it would only become more popular.

Asdar, 39, runs a night school in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. He lives with his wife in Puri Gading, East Jakarta:

Do I think legalizing gambling would increase city revenue? Not a chance. Past experiences have shown that such a policy only benefits several officials, not the public, as the money is prone to corruption.

Let us be consistent. If we perceive -- and I believe most people do -- gambling as a crime, then we should demolish all gambling dens in the city, and put the owners behind bars.

I think by trying to legalize gambling, the administration is admitting that it lacks the power to enforce the law that prohibits gambling in the country. To conceal its inabilities, the administration pretends the issue is one of bigger revenue.

--The Jakarta Post