Over the past week, Indonesian police have intensified their crackdown on online gambling, arresting several employees of the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics, as well as influencers and celebrities, who are suspected of participating in or promoting online gambling sites for profit.
Online gambling is rampant in Indonesia, and President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to combat it during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, urging all departments and agencies to unite against online gambling, as most victims are low-income individuals.
He pointed out that combating online gambling could enhance Indonesia's purchasing power and boost economic growth rates.
Prabowo's crackdown on online gambling continues the policy of former President Joko Widodo. Before leaving office, Widodo stated, "Gambling causes many social problems, such as bankruptcy, divorce, and leads to numerous crimes and acts of violence," hence his vow to strengthen the fight against online gambling.
In the past week, the police have conducted a series of arrests targeting online gambling crimes, including influencers who promoted gambling sites on social media. Additionally, some members of parliament are under investigation.
House of Representatives member Wajudi admitted that he was summoned and interrogated by the police for posting videos promoting gambling sites. Another 26 celebrities are under investigation, all claiming ignorance of their involvement in promoting illegal gambling sites.
A TikTok influencer from West Java, Sadbo, has been named a suspect for promoting online gambling, attracting many viewers to his live streams. Reports indicate that Sadbo earns millions of Indonesian rupiah by promoting online gambling.
On the 1st, police raided an online gambling hub near Jakarta in Bekasi, finding 11 employees from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics suspected of assisting the operation of gambling sites. These government employees have been suspended.
Prabowo stated that he will not tolerate any government officials using their positions to shelter online gambling operations.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Mudiya reported that, as of the 3rd, the ministry has shut down over 22 gambling sites.
According to Indonesian law, gambling is a criminal offense, punishable by up to six years in prison.
