Rethinking the Gambling Debate in Indonesia 🇮🇩
Il governo indonesiano valuta la potenziale espansione del gioco d'azzardo in un contesto di conseguenze sociali attese
The discussions about legalizing gambling in Indonesia have resurfaced, proposed as a potential revenue booster for the state. However, a heated debate is brewing, with skeptics warning that this move could undermine the very foundations of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.
In a meeting with the finance ministry, lawmaker Galih Kartasasmita suggested that Indonesia should follow the example of the United Arab Emirates, which opened its doors to gambling earlier this year.
"The UAE took a bold step and legalized gambling, even an Arab nation now runs casinos," Galih exclaimed. "Their innovative thinking is inspiring."
Gambling, whether online or offline, is strictly forbidden in Indonesia, with a Muslim population nearing 90%. It is prohibited under Islamic teachings.
Following the UAE's move, the country granted its first commercial gaming operator license to Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts, making it the first Gulf country to greenlight the industry.
In response to the buzz, Galih clarified that his intention was not to push for gambling in Indonesia, but rather to encourage the ministry to consider bold, financial alternatives, reducing Indonesia's reliance on natural resources.
The Range of Opposing Views
- The discussion in Indonesian politics about legalizing gambling as a means to boost finance is sparking a fierce debate, with concerns being raised that it could disrupt the country's religious and cultural foundations.
- Galih's proposal to the finance ministry, inspired by the UAE's bold financial move to legalize gambling, aims not to promote gambling in Indonesia, but to explore innovative financial alternatives that would reduce the country's dependence on natural resources.
