Hot debate on gambling cools the business

Ahmad Junaidi and Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bukittinggi

The ongoing heated debate on gambling has forced owners of illegal gambling centers in the city to temporarily close their establishments.

The centers, many bearing the name amusement center or recreation center, located along Jl. Gajah Mada, Jl. Hayam Wuruk and downtown Kota in West Jakarta were seen closed on Sunday.

A parking attendant in front of the four-story Pelangi recreation center on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Yadi, said he did not know why many centers have closed for almost two weeks.

"Maybe Ibu Mega does not approve of the gambling business. I don't know when they will re-open," he said.

The center's parking lot, usually crowded with cars, was also empty.

Sources at City Hall said that the closure was also triggered by a "war" between crooked military and police officers, who currently back the illegal business.

A study from the University of Indonesia reported that the officers receive, at least, Rp 150 million (US$15,873) from one casino a night as "protection money".

Businessman Rizaf Thaib, whose foundation Bina Dana Sosial earlier made a proposed to the city administration to manage gambling centers in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand islands), said the closure was sparked by the press which had "blown up" the issue.

"They're afraid. It's also because the press said that certain police and military officers receive money from the gambling dens here," Rizaf told The Jakarta Post.

He said it was only a temporary closure and the centers would resume operation once the issue died down.

Vice President Hamzah Haz condemned for the second time Governor Sutiyoso's plan to localize casinos in the Thousands Islands.

Speaking in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, while attending the 29th anniversary of the United Development Party (PPP) on Saturday, Hamzah said the governor should focus more on the people's economic development.

"It is irrelevant to speak about the plan to localize gambling. It's better to tell people how to make use of their money," he said.

Hamzah, who is also PPP chairman, encouraged Sutiyoso to forget the idea of building casinos on the islands and reiterated that his party objected to the plan.

Many institutions, particularly the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), have voiced their objection toward the plan.

Kepulauan Seribu Regent K. Abdul Kadir announced two weeks ago that several investors have submitted proposals to manage casinos on the islands. The idea was quickly supported by Sutiyoso.

Sutiyoso urged the central government to review regulations that ban gambling throughout the country. The Criminal Code also states that gambling is prohibited unless it is permitted by the authorities.