Gambling rife in Central Java

SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): The popularity of gambling reaches beyond large cities into villages throughout Central Java, according to provincial legislators.

"Gambling activities are even held openly on the roadside, using tables lit by kerosene lamps," Istadjib, deputy of the commission in charge of public welfare, said Friday.

Councilors referred to the spread of gambling as a "crisis", saying it had drastically cut spending power.

"We are urging police to act firmly on gambling," the chairman of the provincial chapter of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas, Ali Mufiz, said. (har)