Sutiyoso to heed public on gambling
Sutiyoso to heed public on gambling
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Governor Sutiyoso said that his administration needed more
feedback from the public over the controversial idea proposed by
his predecessor Ali Sadikin on the legalization of gambling and
prostitution in the capital.
"I am all ears to the growing discussions over the issue. But,
so far, we have not yet received any proposals from anyone about
creating the special, controlled zones. Input can help us to make
a decision on the matter," he said.
Sutiyoso admitted that gambling and prostitution, both of
which are illegal, still occurred and had become a "headache" for
his administration.
"We are looking into a correct, and profitable, solution to
the problems."
Gambling and prostitution is widespread across the capital,
reportedly due to backing by groups of military and police
officers.
Article 269 of the Criminal Code stipulates that those who
deliberately make a living from prostitution could face a maximum
sentence of 16 months in prison and/or a Rp 1,000 (11 US cents)
fine.
Similarly, Law No. 7/1974 also regulates that all forms of
gambling are illegal with violators facing a maximum sentence of
10 years in prison and/or a Rp 10 million fine.
Last week it was reported that a former gambling operator was
seeking the administration's support to legalize gambling at one
of the islets in the Thousands Islands regency or at a hotel in
the city.
"The gambling operator has explained that it would mean Rp 3
billion daily in city tax revenues if the administration can make
it happen," a source said.
However, Sutiyoso denied the statement, saying that "nobody
has come up with a proposed location (for the gambling center)".
The Association of Indonesian Entertainment Center Owners
(Aspehindo) estimates that the business sees a hefty turnover of
Rp 200 billion a day in Jakarta alone.
Ali Sadikin, who legalized gambling and prostitution in
regulated zones during his term from 1966 to 1977, has proposed
to the City Council to reintroduce legal casinos and brothels in
Jakarta, so the large amount of tax revenue could be used to
develop the capital.