President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono advised Friday against building a gambling center in Riau Islands province.

"I remind you, do not ever consider it. We should never have any intention, nor a plan, to build such a place," he said in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, as quoted by Antara.

Yudhoyono said he had learned from reports in the media that a gambling center may be built in the area.

He suggested that regional officials uphold moral values in conducting development, and that economic activities conducted in the regions should be in line with religious teachings.

"Let there not be a plan to establish something that none of us want; that will cause disintegration among Indonesians," he said.

-The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network