Regent denies link to gamblers

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Local government officials in Sikka regency are under scrutiny for suspected involvement in a gambling ring.

A source at the local administration who requested anonymity said recently that several officials as well as law enforcers received payoffs of Rp 9 million (US$1,200) each per month in exchange for protection of the syndicate.

Gambling is illegal in the country, with the criminal code imposing a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail.

The gambling syndicate was unveiled when Roby Lameng sought police help last week after a gambling organizer, identified as Hok, reportedly denied him the pot worth Rp 116 million.

Hok reportedly tried to flee the regency at the instruction of a police officer, but Rudy caught him at Waioti Airport and took him to the Sikka Police Station.

Regent Paulus Moa denied allegations over the weekend that some of his staff were involved in the syndicate.

Sikka Police chief Lt. Col. Jini Sinaga was not available for comment. (yac)