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)