Gambling rife in Yogyakarta

Gambling rife in Yogyakarta

YOGYAKARTA: The local legislative council is concerned about
the widespread gambling that politicians suspect enjoys the
backing of corrupt government officials.

Herman Abdurrahman, the council's deputy speaker, urged the
authorities Thursday to crack down on owners of amusement centers
who run fruit machines and other such games.

"If left unchecked, the gambling activities will badly affect
youths and stain Yogyakarta's image as a cultural center," he
said.

Gambling is banned by law in Indonesia. Many gambling dens in
this ancient city are disguised as "games with prizes".

Desperate about the authorities' inaction, a group of youths
in Umbulharjo area raided several places they suspected were
gambling havens.

"If the authorities do nothing to stop gambling, then the
(Umbulharjo) youths' action can be justified," Herman said. (23)