Hot debate on gambling cools the business
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.