Sutiyoso orders war against gambling

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso instructed city officials on Tuesday to seal any buildings belonging to the city administration which have reportedly been used as gambling arenas.

"I telephoned my subordinates today to close any gambling dens located in city-owned buildings," Sutiyoso told reporters at City Hall.

He said the closure of the buildings, including those located in Pluit and Penjaringan subdistricts, North Jakarta, would be effective as of Tuesday.

When asked why he did not stop gambling activities in places operated by private businesspeople, the governor said it was the responsibility of the police to carry out those tasks.

"The police should handle gambling activities as stipulated in the Criminal Code.

"What we (government) can do is close the buildings, but actions to handle the crime rest with the police," he said.

Four party factions at Jakarta City Council urged Sutiyoso on Monday to stop increasing gambling activities in the city and halt rampant drug abuse.

The factions were the National Awakening Party (PKB), the Justice and Unity Party (PKP), the United Party (PP) and the Unity in Diversity Party (PBI), which also alleged that some city buildings were used as gambling dens.

Sutiyoso pledged on Tuesday that he would strive for the return of law and order to the city after he concentrated on securing the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

He said he would pursue measures to organize street vendors, end gambling activities and prostitution and to rearrange buildings located in greenbelts.

"But do not ever think that I will arbitrarily carry out the tasks just because it's the right thing to do. We'll take a humanitarian approach to settle all these problems," he said.

The governor promised that he would take stern action against any city officials who were involved in corruption and collusion.

"I will always remind city officials to serve the public. I'll no longer tolerate corruption and collusion here," he said.

He called on city officials to improve public service, asking them to stop taking illegal levies.

"With a planned and integrated action to restore public order, I hope Jakarta will become a civilized city." (jun)