Two Choices Behind The Discourse On Legalization Of Kasino, Economist: Entering The Ministry Of Finance Or Stars In The Sky

JAKARTA - Business Economist and Observer Benny Batara Hutabarat or Bennix described the two options behind the discourse on legalizing gambling in the form of casinos in Indonesia.

According to him, if the discourse is realized, it will become state revenue received through the Directorate General (Ditjen) of Taxes at the Ministry of Finance. On the other hand, it will only be enjoyed by law enforcement officers (APH).

"It's better if gambling is legal or illegal? If gambling is legal, money goes to the Ministry of Finance, Director General of Taxes. But if gambling is illegal, money goes to the authorities. Whose choice do we want to enrich today?" Bennix said in a public discussion with the title 'Legalization of Kasino in Indonesia: Between Legal Certainty, Social Challenges, and Economic Opportunities' held by Iwakum in Jakarta, Saturday, June 7.

It is known, the practice of gambling, which is still illegal, is often used by unscrupulous persons. One example is an online gambling case that is occupied by employees of the Ministry of Digital and Communication (Komdigi).

Not only that, Bennix also mentioned the statement of the Constitutional Court (MK) regarding the benefit of the law for the community.

Therefore, if the legalization of the casino will be useful, starting from job availability, bringing in investors to increasing state revenue, the government needs to consider it.

"The benefits for the Constitutional Court have repeatedly said, this law is that we really have to move, there is no benefit for the community, there is no impact for the community," he said.

"If we make it illegal, we only enrich the rulers of the stars in the sky?" continued Bennix.

Previously, a member of Commission XI of the DPR RI from the Golkar faction, Galih Kartasasmita, had made the idea that the casino would be legalized in Indonesia. According to him, this sector could become a new source of non-tax state revenue (PNBP) as well as increase foreign exchange.

Galih cited the example of the United Arab Emirates state which places casinos in special economic zones separate from local settlements.