City powerless to stop gambling: Sutiyoso

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday the city administration could not rid the capital of gambling, which has mushroomed recently, because gambling operators were backed by "certain people".

Sutiyoso said he had repeatedly instructed the city public order office to crack down on gambling. So far, however, they have been unable to carry out his instructions because of opposition from the well-connected gambling operators.

"It is a difficult task for us (to eradicate gambling). Frankly speaking, we face too many obstacles because the gambling operators have strong backing.

"Sometime we can eradicate gambling in one area, but then it shows up someplace else," he said.

The administration has promised a number of times to eradicate gambling in the city, particularly after several community groups protested the presence of gambling spots in their neighborhoods.

Despite the promises, however, the number of gambling dens has mushroomed recently as city authorities and residents have been preoccupied with the recent general election.

Gambling spots can be found throughout the capital, including in residential complexes and public places.

Currently, the most popular game among gamblers is judi buntut, toto gelap or togel, in which gamblers place bets on two or four numbers which are chosen every two to three days by dozens of gambling operators.

Sutiyoso said that because of the backing received by gambling operators, it was impossible for the administration single- handedly to eradicate gambling.

"There is no other choice but to cooperate with all aspects of security personnel to come up with an integrated settlement".

However, he said that before the administration and security personnel could cooperate in the fight against gambling, they would have to reach an agreement on the objective of their cooperation.

"So there will be no contradictions; on one hand (security personnel) are eradicating the gambling dens, but on the other hand they are backing the activities," he said.

Sutiyoso said he would discuss the matter with security personnel. (ind)