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.