Tribal people go on gambling

Tribal people go on gambling

PEKANBARU, Riau: The authorities have found it difficult to
eradicate gambling, which is illegal under Indonesian laws, from
the Talang Mamak tribal community.

The police said gambling appears to have become part of the
isolated people's culture.

"If we ban them from gambling, they may feel culturally
insulted," Indragiri Hulu police precinct chief Lt. Col. I Nyoman
Sutjipta told Antara.

He added that the police have turned their eyes to the illicit
practices simply because they have not found an appropriate way
of persuading people to kick the habit.

"Furthermore, the gambling has no serious effect and they do
it only when they attend traditional parties," Nyoman said. "They
are proud of their traditional values which encourage peace."
(pan)