Jakarta councillors in talks to legalize gambling
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.