Jakarta councillors in talks to legalize gambling

Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Despite the tough measures being taken by police against gambling rackets in the capital, a team at the Jakarta City Council is still seeking a way to make gambling enterprises legal in restricted areas.

Council deputy speaker Ilal Ferhard revealed on Friday that the team, which was established in mid-June, was tasked to help the National Police in their nationwide drive to eradicate gambling.

"The idea of legalizing gambling in a restricted area is not in contradiction with the national campaign. We both have the same view that the rampant gambling, particularly in the capital, must be eradicated," he told The Jakarta Post.

The decree on the establishment of the team was signed by speaker Ade Surapriatna on June 17.

Chaired by Abdul Muthalib Shihab of the Democrat Party, the team consists of 13 chairpersons of the council's factions and working commissions.

According to Ilal, the team will also recommend a revision of a regulation that totally bans gambling.

"The recommendations are expected to be adopted by the council," he added.

Article 303 of the Criminal Code bans gambling, although during the administration of former governor Ali Sadikin from 1966 to 1977, gambling was made legal to jack up city revenue, which in turn was used to develop city infrastructure.

Trying to repeat the past success, incumbent Governor Sutiyoso proposed that a casino be built in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) regency, which met strong opposition from religious leaders.

However, the idea was not totally shelved as several council members recently visited gambling haven Genteng Highlands in Malaysia for a comparative study.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the largest faction in the council, is the only faction opposed to the idea.

PKS senior councillor Dani Anwar said that Indonesia could not adopt Malaysia's concept, which legalized gambling in Genteng Highlands resort. He said that law enforcement in Malaysia had been upheld well.

"The regulation that prohibits Muslims from entering the casinos is well implemented. If such gambling outlets are established here, who will guarantee that Indonesian Muslims will not visit them," he added.

Ilal said the team was required to accommodate the aspirations of the people before issuing its recommendation.