Under the directive of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has ramped up its campaign against illegal online gambling, resulting in a series of arrests that have captured national attention. This initiative is aimed at curbing the proliferation of gambling activities facilitated by social media influencers, celebrities, and even students who have been implicated in promoting illegal gambling websites to their followers.
Enforcement Actions and Government Support
In a recent cabinet plenary session at the State Palace, President Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating gambling in Indonesia—a stance also firmly held by his predecessor, Joko Widodo. This strong governmental support has translated into decisive police action over the past week, characterized by a series of raids targeting online networks suspected of facilitating illegal gambling.
According to reports from Jakarta Globe, among those arrested was a notable social media influencer from Sukabumi, West Java. She was detained for promoting an online gambling site through her channels, with investigations revealing that she, alongside an associate, earned millions of rupiah through these promotions. Furthermore, Denny Wahyudi, a member of the House of Representatives from the PDIP faction, was summoned and questioned over his involvement in a promotional gambling video. At a press conference in Jakarta, he revealed that 26 other artists faced similar interrogations, all claiming ignorance regarding the illegal nature of their promotions.
In a separate incident, two female students from Bogor were arrested for advertising gambling services via social media platforms, where they reportedly earned between Rp 150,000 ($10) to Rp 10 million ($680) monthly, depending on their follower engagement. The scale of these arrests demonstrates the multifaceted approach the authorities are taking to target the various strata of society complicit in online gambling activities.
Intensive Crackdown on Gambling Operations
The crackdown on illegal online gambling has extended beyond mere arrests to the dismantling of networks incorporating influential figures. The Cyber Crime Team of the Depok Police recently shut down an online gambling hub in Sukmajaya, apprehending five individuals, including a student and a bookmaker. This comingling of education and crime raises alarming questions about societal values and the lure of quick financial gain.
In Bekasi, West Java, the Jakarta Metro Police unearthed an online gambling ring operating from within an office, leading to the suspension of 11 employees from the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry. These employees were alleged to have facilitated the operational continuity of gambling websites despite explicit government directives intended to eradicate such activities.
Societal Reactions and Public Sentiment
The case of Gunawan ‘Sadbor,’ a popular TikTok personality, has particularly stirred public sentiment and debate. Known for his engaging live content, Gunawan’s involvement highlighted the naivety of many influencers regarding the implications of promoting illegal activities. Golkar Party politician Nurul Arifin brought attention to this issue, emphasizing that operators often exploit influencers, placing them at the forefront of illegal promotions.
The National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency has also made progress by dismantling an international gambling network catering to approximately 85,000 Indonesian users. This extensive crackdown saw the arrest of seven individuals, including a Chinese national suspected of managing an overseas server for the operation.
Additionally, the Financial Transaction Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK) has intervened, blocking 13,481 bank accounts linked to gambling transactions. They noted a troubling shift in transaction patterns, with funds being distributed across numerous small accounts, complicating the tracking of illegal money flows. This scheme has implicated over 1,000 members of national and regional legislatures, with transactions amounting to approximately Rp 25 billion ($1.5 million).
Learning from Portugal: Promoting Responsible Gambling
As Indonesia intensifies its fight against illegal online gambling, it is not alone in facing this challenge. In Portugal, efforts are similarly underway to combat illegal gambling through public education and legal action. The Portuguese Online Gambling and Betting Association (APAJO) has actively reported influencers and gambling operators to the police for their role in promoting or conducting illegal gambling. A recent study from APAJO revealed that a notable portion of the Portuguese population engages in gambling on illegal sites, often without awareness of its illegality.
Ricardo Domingues, the president of APAJO, emphasized the media’s crucial role in informing the public about legal gambling options to prevent exposure to unlicensed sites. As part of these efforts, a responsible gaming campaign was recently launched in Portugal, enlisting influencers to promote responsible gambling practices. This initiative has reached a vast audience, underscoring the potential impact of public awareness campaigns in reducing illegal gambling participation.
Comparative Approaches: Indonesia vs. Portugal
Both Indonesia and Portugal are enhancing their legal frameworks to combat illegal online gambling. However, their strategies differ significantly. Indonesia’s approach has been aggressive, directly targeting individuals and networks involved in promoting and operating illegal gambling sites. Conversely, Portugal focuses on public education and legal implications, working to inform citizens about the risks of engaging with unlicensed operators.
These synergies and differences in strategy prompt a reevaluation of how nations combat gambling problems, highlighting the importance of public awareness and legal enforcement alike in shaping a safer online environment.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s intensified crackdown on illegal online gambling represents a significant moment in the country’s efforts to address this widespread issue. While the challenges of compliance, public awareness, and the lure of financial gain remain, the movement towards stricter enforcement against illegal gambling activities is showing promising signs of reform, hopefully leading to a more informed and responsible digital landscape for all Indonesians.
