Illegal lotteries

Illegal lotteries

From Republika

Don't bother to fight drugs, prostitution and gambling in Bandung. Why? Because illegal lotteries (togel) are rampant in the region, even during the fasting month. No one can stop this form of illegal gambling. The Bandung regional administration and the police pretend not to know realize that togel is a form of gambling and hence illegal. The Indonesian Council of Ulemas and other religious institutions have yet to issue a ruling concerning togel.

Even modern Islamic boarding schools, which are usually active in fighting against illegal acts, simply remain quiet about the issue as if in a dormant state.

Just imagine, these togel, which are operated out in the open and are obviously illegal, can't be eliminated. What can we expect the authorities to do about drugs, prostitution and gambling, illegal activities that are more difficult to detect and thus stop? What is going on here? Are all of the people responsible for dealing with these matters actually involved in them?

This lack of seriousness and attention on the part of bureaucrats, officials and spiritual leaders may eventually lead to an enraged public. If we consider the matter further, this lack of response from bureaucrats, officials and community leaders will eventually become organized or institutionalized provocation, albeit unintentionally. So are they provocateurs? People taking the law into their own hands is a crime, but it is a logical consequence of poor law enforcement and a lack of a sense of justice.

ANDREA HYNAN POELOENGAN

Bandung