Leaders float idea of legal betting

Iman Dwianto Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

The situation at the "M" arcade in downtown Surabaya was rather different from usual on Monday night. There were only a few gamblers on the premises, which is famous for roulette. There were also very few cars parked in the building's vicinity.

Usually, the center is crowded.

"Visitors have become rare since the National Police launched their nationwide gambling crackdown," said an employee of the center.

The center was one of a few gambling centers in the city that were still operating on Monday night, despite the crackdown launched by National Police chief Gen. Sutanto last week.

Having allowed the arcades to operate despite the antigambling campaign, the police have been criticized for being half-hearted in fighting gambling. "The commitment to eradicating gambling has to be total, but sadly the police are failing to show this kind of commitment," said Ali Maschan Moesa, the head of Nadhlatul Ulama's East Java branch.

Ali said he was concerned by the failure as it was essential for the police to come down on gambling as it had reached epidemic proportions in Surabaya. Not only adults, but children were also involved in gambling.

The Jakarta Post observed both children and students playing roulette. By betting Rp 500 (5 U.S. cents), one can win up to Rp 60,000 (US$6.25)

As gambling is deep seated in society, the police and public needed to consider what was the best way of dealing with the vice, said Ali.

As it appeared impossible to eradicate gambling completely from society, Ali proposed that the government restrict it to certain defined locations.

"We could start with the government building a casino, but with tight rules on who can enter it," said Ali, adding that the casino should be located far removed from residential areas.

The newly elected deputy mayor of Surabaya, Arief Affandi, supported the view. He believed that Surabaya people would accept the establishment of a casino.

Surabaya was also a port city that could easily be accessed by tourists wishing to gamble.

"In my view, a casino should be built near the bridge that will link Surabaya and Madura," said Arief.

Arief acknowledged that the idea would draw strong opposition from various quarters in the province, especially conservatives. But if adopted, it would benefit development in Surabaya. "The government can obtain money by imposing high taxes on the casino, and the money could then be used for development projects," said Arief.