Surjadi wants gambling stopped

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said all forms of gambling are illegal and must be eliminated.

Speaking after attending the Youth Pledge Day ceremony at City Hall on Saturday, Surjadi said that integrated efforts are needed to eliminate gambling.

"The authorities alone will not be able to eliminate gambling. The public's participation is needed," he was quoted by Suara Pembaruan evening daily as saying.

People should report any gambling activities they become aware of to the police.

Gambling is still popular among Jakarta residents. Many houses and amusement centers on Jl. Manggabesar, Tubagus Angke and in the Ancol area are used as gambling dens. Reports say that gambling is also done on a regular basis on a cruise ship in Jakarta Bay.

Police have frequently raided gambling dens and arrested gamblers. However, Suara Pembaruan reported that most of the gambling cases do not go to court. (sur)