KNPI to raid gambling centers

KNPI to raid gambling centers

PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: The local provincial chapter
of the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) announced on
Thursday that it would deploy satgas (local security task force)
members to raid some entertainment and gambling centers during
Ramadhan.

"We will soon send satgas youth officers to trace and sweep a
number of sites believed to be used for gambling in Palangka
Raya," said Hidayatullah S. Kurik, chairman of KNPI's local
chapter.

He said the planned sweeps would involve satgas forces from
various youth organizations in the city.

The move is an expression of public concern over social
problems in the province that have so far been ignored by the
regional government, he said.

"We are deeply concerned because a number of well-managed
gambling centers could lead local youths astray," Hidayatullah
said.

He said the continued operation of gambling centers during
Ramadhan, when Muslims fast and perform other rituals, could
create upheaval and other social problems.

The chairman of KNPI hoped the sweeps would not spark
conflict, which could lead to unrest and violence.

The entertainment places believed to be operating gambling
dens in Palangka Raya include those located on Jl. D.I.
Panjaitan, Jl. R.T.A. Milono and Jl. Tjilik Riwut Palangka Raya.

Similar sweeps have been planned by various groups of Muslim
extremists in many cities across the country during Ramadhan.
--Antara