MUI urges officials to stop gambling

BOGOR (JP): The Bogor chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) urged local officials on Thursday to take firm action against increasing gambling activities in town.

"We are ready to support the officials in the fight and dispersion of gambling activities," chairman of MUI's Bogor chapter, A. Chaer Saleh, said.

Chaer said the Bogor administration was already willing to handle the matter seriously. "But many parties are involved in the gambling business," he said without mentioning any names.

Various groups of students and activists have staged protests and made complaints about officials' sluggish action in handling the gambling activities.

The groups have threatened to mobilize people and stage mass protests.

MUI has sent two letters concerning the matter to the mayor of Bogor, but has yet to receive a response. (24/edt)