'Gambling against religious beliefs'

The Association of Indonesian Entertainment Centers estimates that gambling, which is currently illegal, produces a massive turnover of Rp 200 billion a day. Former Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin floated the idea of legalizing gambling again so as to provide revenue for the administration. The Jakarta Post asked residents about their opinions about the issue.

Sofril, 23, is a student at a private university on Jl. Salemba, Central Jakarta. He lives in Kebayoran Lama Utara subdistrict, South Jakarta:

I cannot agree with the idea of legalizing gambling in Jakarta as it against Islamic teachings.

I think Ali Sadikin has forgotten that legalizing gambling would be a sin.

There would be massive protests if the city administration accepted Ali's suggestion.

As the world's largest majority Muslim country, we should not accept any activities that run against Islamic teachings.

I think the police need to crack down on the crime no matter what.

Putra Raditia, 25, is a student at the University of Indonesia and runs a clothing business. He lives in Depok:

Illegal or legal, gambling would not make Jakarta a better place to live in. Instead, it would only create an endless polemic among religious leaders.

Moreover, even if the city administration established a casino somewhere, obviously only the rich would have access to it.

What about those die-hard gamblers who are broke? They would gamble somewhere else, at home for example, betting while playing cards or rolling dice.

I think it would be better for the government to focus on other, more important issues as gambling and prostitution have been part of society since time immemorial.

--The Jakarta Post