Gambling Localization

Gambling Localization

From Media Indonesia

News stories on the plan to localize gambling activities have recently been reported in the mass media. The Jakarta governor intends to legalize and localize gambling in the Thousand Islands.

The regent of the Thousand islands, but only a handful of councillors, have welcomed the plan. Some entrepreneurs have already submitted their proposals to the governor for investing in and managing casinos.

The proposal of the Jakarta governor and Thousand Islands' regent is highly suspect as gambling, which is forbidden by religious norms and the law of the land, will be facilitated. The activities of gamblers, which by rights should be eradicated, are now to be legalized.

By contrast, employment as a pedicab driver, which is said to be inhuman but is allowed by religious teachings, will be prohibited on the pretext of maintaining public order in the city. There is no more localization for pedicabs. However, it is clear that pedicab drivers are ordinary people who should be helped and facilitated as far as possible. Furthermore, pedicab drivers provide a valuable service to middle to lower income city residents who have no car to bring them to the market, for instance. So, pedicab drivers should be given priority for localization.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to call on the governor to heed the fate of not only gamblers but also pedicab drivers.

ABDUL SALAM

Jakarta