Muslim clerics join fight against gambling
Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post/Cirebon, Jawa Barat
The fight against gambling in Cirebon, West Java has gained support from Muslim clerics after Governor Danny Setiawan declared that the practice had no place in the province.
The support came from Cirebon Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Syarief Muhammad, Indonesian Ulema Forum chairman Salim Badjri as well as Nahdlatul Ulama cleric Adib Rofiuddin Iz'za.
Several raids on gambling dens have also been conducted by the clerics with their supporters, who are demanding that police help them stop widespread gambling in the area.
"We see no serious actions taken by the police so we have to pressure them," Adib said on Wednesday.
The clerics' action gained a positive response from the heads of regencies and cities, with Indramayu Regent Irrianto MS Syafiuddin promising Rp 2.5 million (US$277) for those who could capture a big gambling boss in Indramayu.
"We will provide a reward to encourage people to actively assist in fighting gambling. I'll give it if there's a big gambling boss arrested," Irrianto said.
In Cirebon city, deputy mayor Agus Al Wafier lead raids on entertainment spots suspected of offering gambling facilities. He promised to immediately close down such entertainment spots.
"We don't want entertainment spots being used as a cover for gambling dens. I'll make sure that if any of them are guilty of offering gambling facilities, we'll close them right away," Agus said.
In Cirebon regency, residents and students protested against the widespread gambling in the regency.
Responding to the protest, Cirebon Regent Dedi Supardi denied accusations that he had done nothing to fight gambling, saying he had ordered his officials to be actively involved in the fight against gambling.
Meanwhile, the police acknowledged they were having trouble in fighting gambling due to limited personnel.
"For us, fighting gambling is a priority, but we also need people's support. We'll make sure the police work extra hard to fight gambling in our area," Cirebon Police chief, Sr. Comr. Loekito said.
Observation by The Jakarta Post found that the effort to stop gambling practice was intensive in several northern coastal areas in West Java, especially in Cirebon regency and municipality as well as in Indramayu and Majalengka regencies.
In those areas, gambling is widespread, especially lottery and gambling machines.
Lottery tickets, for instance, could be found in almost every part of Majalengka, with around 250 agents selling lottery tickets with the sales centered in Rajagaluh area. The most popular lottery tickets were those with Pacuan Kuda and Jaya trademarks.
Lottery tickets are mostly sold in bus terminals and other busy spots like marketplaces or train stations. But now, they are also sold in remote villages, and even near schools. Ironically, the tickets were sold openly, while previously, such activities were done behind closed doors.
Head of the Cirebon Indonesian Ulema Forum (FUI), Salim Badjri, attributed the openness of the practice to support from security officials.
"I'm certain there are some police officers who support those agents who sell lottery tickets," he said.
According to the existing law, all forms of gambling are a crime. Those who break the law will be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison or fined up to Rp 10 million.
However, it is a public knowledge that the police themselves often protect the illegal businesses to supplement their income.