City powerless to stop gambling: Sutiyoso
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)