Jakarta Police Move in to Shut Down Gambling Dens and Illegal Casinos
24 July 2005
Over 3,000 gambling devices were confiscated by police from 16 gambling dens in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday evening. This 2 weeks after they promised to eliminate the establishment in a span of three days. The equipment is being stored at the police headquarters parking lot.
People have accused the police of not being serious when it comes to the abolishing gambling, as the major casinos have not yet been touched. But, the police feel that they have already proved that they are serious, just by confiscating machines in these gambling dens.
Machinery was taken from various casinos across the city. According to articles 39, 40, and 45 of the criminal law procedures code, it is the right of the police to confiscate any equipment that is used for criminal conduct. Provincial police chiefs were given a one-week deadline to wipe out gambling in their specific areas, and if they did not comply, they would face criminal charges, and lose their jobs. Officers and sub-district chiefs were warned that if gambling continued in any area whatsoever, they would be relieved of their duties.
Police quickly began shutting down gambling in Jakarta, and arrested over 500 suspects, including players, managers, and bookies. People have still complained that the large casinos were not raided, but police responded to this by stating that they were only able to arrest those who were caught in the actual act of gambling. Hard evidence needs to be provided in order to arrest these gamblers, and this was not available.
City police Chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said that police will quickly arrest any casino owner who has the audacity to reopen gambling sites. At the moment the machines are being counted, and will be handed over to the court for destruction.
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