Gambling activities go on in Kalijodo despite bans
Gambling activities go on in Kalijodo despite bans
Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Many illegal gambling parlors located in the former Kalijodo
brothel and gambling complex have reopened, despite the recent
pledge issued by the authorities to prohibit gambling.
Near the entrance gate located on Jl. Tubagus Angke, West
Jakarta, a parking lot for motorcycles had been taken over by
gambling businesses. Several new spots, tents and semi-permanent
buildings were also seen standing in the area.
Jajang, a beverage seller in the gambling complex, revealed
last Saturday that the gambling businesses had been operating
since March.
"The place is crowded all the time, during the day and at
night. The opening of the gambling spots here persuaded me and
the other vendors to set up shop again. We are actually grateful
for the reopening of the gambling den as it will help other
businesses to flourish, such as food and beverage vendors," he
said.
The Kalijodo brothel and gambling complex stood on two
different mayoralties. The northern part of the complex belongs
to Penjaringan district, North Jakarta. While the south belongs
to the West Jakarta mayoralty.
When The Jakarta Post visited the place, at least 20 gambling
spots were in operation. Several visitors were seen flocking at
one parlor to play koprok, a dice game. While others were seen
playing card games, sitting in tents.
Maman, not his real name, a leader of a group of thugs, told
the Post that the district chief of Tambora and the subprecinct
had given him the green light to open the gambling den a month
ago.
"I've had to reopen the gambling den in order to feed my men.
I was afraid they would hit the road again, robbing or extorting
people at traffic intersections if I failed to feed them. My only
way to provide them with an income was to get back into the
business again," admitted Maman, who was in charge of at least
500 hoodlums from Serang, Banten.
Kalijodo was also well known as a cash cow for corrupt police,
military and city administration personnel. They received money
for protecting the illegal business.
According to local estimates, the area's gambling turnover
could amount to Rp 2 billion (US$211,000) every night.
The city administration postponed the demolition of the
remaining 400 buildings in Kalijodo on Feb. 27 after demolishing
180 buildings. The decision to close Kalijodo was made following
brawls between two hoodlum groups in the area on Feb. 17 and 22.
No officials at West Jakarta Police or the mayoralty were
available for comment.