A Bold Stance from the Ministry of Communication and Digital
In Jakarta, the Director General of Public Information and Communication (IKP) at the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Prabu Revolusi, has made it clear that the Indonesian government is taking an unwavering stance against online gambling. Through a combination of cyber patrols, content blocking, and collaboration with digital platforms and financial institutions, Prabu emphasized that there will be zero tolerance for any promotion or activities associated with online gambling in Indonesia. This proactive approach highlights the government’s commitment to protect the integrity of its digital space and uphold societal values.
Monitoring and Enforcement Efforts
One of the key cases currently under review involves the influencer account @siskaeee_vip, which boasts over 200,000 followers and allegedly has ties to an online gambling site, https://firehotgame.vip. According to Prabu, the influencer’s profile contained a direct link to this gambling platform, prompting immediate action. He stated, “We will coordinate with the Task Force and the Meta platform for follow-up. The website will be taken down, and the influencer’s account will be frozen.” Following this announcement, a recent monitoring update revealed that the @siskaeee_vip account has already been removed from Instagram.
The Ministry is not acting alone; it has engaged in cooperative efforts with various digital platforms to ensure strict enforcement against accounts that breach regulations regarding online gambling activities. This includes a focus on influencer accounts that hold significant sway over their audience. Prabu mentioned, “This is a form of strong commitment from the Indonesian Government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid.”
The Role of Influencers
Prabu stresses the critical responsibility of influencers, asserting that they must serve as positive role models for their followers. Promoting or supporting online gambling—whether directly or indirectly—not only contravenes ethical standards but also poses a serious risk to societal morals. This sentiment is shared by many authorities who view influencers as pivotal in shaping public behavior and attitudes in the digital age.
Investigative Progress and Government Collaboration
On November 1, the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) of the Metro Jaya Police revealed a troubling increase in suspects related to online gambling. The total number of suspects has risen to 16, which includes 12 employees from Komdigi and four regular citizens. The police have conducted searches at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and continue to pursue the individuals involved in this gambling syndicate.
In support of the ongoing investigation, Minister of Communication and Information Technology Meutya Hafid has expressed her full backing of the police’s efforts to address the complicity of Komdigi employees in these unlawful activities. This high-profile attention to the matter has amplified the seriousness of the crackdown on online gambling in Indonesia.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As online gambling continues to be a pervasive issue in many parts of the world, Indonesia’s government is taking significant steps to combat this trend. Through systematic monitoring, decisive action against influencers promoting gambling, and an open collaboration with law enforcement, the Indonesian government aims to restore integrity in its digital landscape.
The zero-tolerance policy against online gambling is a message to potential offenders that such activities will not be overlooked. As the Ministry of Communication and Digital drives this initiative forward, it invites all Indonesians to join in the commitment to uphold public morals and protect the integrity of the community from the dangers of illegal online gambling.
With the backing of both government officials and the public, Indonesia is poised to take an essential step towards a safer online environment. This initiative serves as a reminder of the vital role that digital responsibility plays in maintaining societal values in an increasingly digital world.
