Gambling goes on despite protest

JAKARTA (JP): Petty gambling activities continue in Pakuhaji, Teluknaga and Kosambi districts in Tangerang despite repeated protests by locals.

"It has been protested several times, but the gambling activities are still going on although they are conducted covertly," Sulaiman, a local public figure, was quoted by Antara as saying on Sunday.

He said Tangerang Regent Agus Djunara's ban on the gambling -- a kind of lottery named Pakong -- was to no avail.

Local people have appealed to the organizer to stop the gambling, especially during the Ramadhan fasting month. "We have become tired of trying to get them to stop, even though we have held protests at the regency office and the regency's legislative council," Sulaiman said.

He believed the gambling would continue because of the backing of particular officials.

The Tangerang regent formerly instructed both district and subdistrict heads to close down any places selling gambling coupons.

Meanwhile, head of the Tangerang police precinct, Lt. Col. Pudji Hartanto Iskandar, said his personnel would not hesitate to take stern actions against those involved in the gambling, regardless of their backing.

"We will not tolerate any person behind the gambling activities. If they are arrested, we will process them in line with the existing regulations," Pudji was quoted by Antara as saying.

The lottery coupons sell for Rp 1,000 to Rp 2,000 each. Housewives are among the many buyers. (hhr)