Idea to localize gambling blasted

JAKARTA (JP): City councilors expressed outrage on Wednesday at suggestions of gambling being localized in the capital, saying that it was against both the nation's laws and cultural values.

Achmad Suaidy, head of the United Development Party (PPP) faction, said that should gambling be localized, it would not only incite the public but it would also defy the central government.

"This is no longer about religion, or about being Muslim or non-Muslim. If gambling were localized, it would be tantamount to proving that the law and religious values can be bypassed with money," Achmad said.

"Law No. 7/1974 on gambling states that gambling is illegal and those involved in it are punishable by law. If the law were to be changed, only then could localized gambling be considered."

He added that the governor should immediately clarify his statement about the "possibility of isolating gambling", before irresponsible people, who have no respect for the nation's laws or values, take charge.

Ahmad and other councilors were of the opinion that the governor clearly had not studied the law on gambling and its effects, adding that he should have reviewed the matter before proposing the possibility of localizing gambling.

Achmad made the statement in response to Djafar Tirtosentono, head of the Thousand Islands Marine Tourism Association, who suggested two islands as possible gambling resorts.

Djafar said the establishment of localized gambling sites would help increase city revenue.

Councilor Sylviana Murni, a member of Commission A for administrative affairs, said the governor should not use Malaysia as an example. The Malaysian government has localized gambling in Genting Highlands.

"Even though Malaysia is a Muslim-dominated nation, and Muslims are forbidden to gamble, the Malaysians have their own government to make decisions for their nation," Sylviana said.

"Our nation has long since decided that we will not allow gambling. We will stick to the law to the end."

Councilor Lukman Mokoginta of the Indonesia Democratic Party (PDI) faction said that as long as there was a law on gambling, nobody should consider localized gambling.

City Council speaker Edy Waluyo said earlier that several city councilors, who met with religious figures to discuss the matter, advised the administration to send selected preachers to Malaysia after Idul Fitri festivities to discuss, among other things, the gambling issue with preachers there.

Lukman said that after thorough consideration on the matter, the council would send a few of its members on a study trip to Malaysia.

"But believe me, the mission will not talk about gambling. Gambling is illegal here and will remain illegal as long as the law exists," Lukman reiterated.

Meanwhile, Tongam Tambunan of the public order office said that if gambling on the capital's streets was prohibited, then there should be no question of localizing gambling anywhere in Indonesia.

"It is impossible that gambling will be localized here. We officers even end up arresting housewives who gamble in the city's slum areas, let alone gambling on a big scale," Tongam said.

"Localizing gambling will never happen." (ylt)