'Gambling against religious beliefs'

'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