Under the directive of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has heightened its campaign against illegal online gambling, resulting in the arrests of influencers, artists, and students. These individuals were reportedly involved in promoting gambling websites through their social media platforms.
Enforcement and public statements:
During a recent cabinet plenary session held at the State Palace, President Subianto reiterated his commitment to eradicating gambling in the nation—a policy stance that aligns with the harsh measures implemented by his predecessor, Joko Widodo. The police action over the past week reflects this ongoing initiative, with raids across various online networks suspected of facilitating illegal gambling.
As Jakarta Globe reports, among the arrested is a well-known social media influencer from Sukabumi, West Java, who was detained for promoting an online gambling site through her online channels. Investigations have uncovered that she, along with an associate, profited significantly in millions of rupiah from these promotions. Denny Wahyudi, a member of the House of Representatives from the PDIP faction, was also summoned and questioned regarding his involvement in a promotional gambling video. He disclosed at a press conference in Jakarta that 26 other artists were similarly interrogated by the police, all of whom claimed ignorance of their promotions’ illegal nature.
In a separate incident, two female students from Bogor were apprehended for advertising gambling services on social media, earning between Rp 150,000 ($10) to Rp 10 million ($680) monthly, based on their follower reach.
Further intensifying the crackdown, the Depok Police’s Cyber Crime Team dismantled an online gambling hub in Sukmajaya, arresting five individuals, including a student and a bookmaker. Meanwhile, in Bekasi, West Java, the Jakarta Metro Police uncovered an online gambling ring operating within an office, revealing connections to employees at the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry. This led to the suspension of 11 ministry employees for allegedly aiding in keeping gambling sites operational despite governmental directives to shut them down.
Public reaction and commentary:
The arrest of Gunawan ‘Sadbor,’ a popular TikTok personality from Sukabumi, has particularly drawn public attention. Known for his engaging live streams, Gunawan’s case was highlighted by Golkar Party politician Nurul Arifin, who commented on the public’s naivety regarding the nature of online gambling, suggesting that Gunawan was exploited by operators to promote their illegal activities.
The National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency recently dismantled an international gambling network serving around 85,000 Indonesian users, involving the arrest of seven individuals, including a Chinese national responsible for managing the overseas-based server.
The Financial Transaction Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK) has also been active, reporting a blockage of 13,481 bank accounts linked to gambling transactions. PPATK’s head, Ivan, noted a shift in transaction patterns, with smaller amounts being distributed across numerous accounts, complicating the tracking of illegal funds. This widespread issue has even implicated over 1,000 members of the national and regional legislatures, involving transactions totaling approximately Rp 25 billion ($1.5 million).
Portugal’s APAJO Takes Action
In Portugal, The Portuguese Online Gambling and Betting Association (APAJO) is actively addressing the challenges posed by illegal gambling through public education and legal actions. The association has reported several influencers and gambling operators to the police for promoting or conducting illegal gambling activities. These reports follow APAJO’s annual study revealing that a significant portion of the Portuguese population gambles on illegal sites, with many unaware they are engaging in illegal activities.
APAJO’s president, Ricardo Domingues, emphasizes the crucial role of the media in guiding the public toward legal gambling options. As iGaming Business reports, he said: “It is, therefore, very critical that the Portuguese media are clear and accurate with the information provided about the sector, in order to prevent thousands of people from being continually exposed to the risks of betting on unlicensed sites.”
Comparative Legal Frameworks and Public Awareness Campaigns
A responsible gaming campaign launched on November 17 in Portugal is an example of these efforts, where influencers promote responsible gambling practices to their followers. This campaign has reached a significant audience, demonstrating the potential impact of public awareness initiatives in reducing engagement with illegal gambling sites.
Both Indonesia and Portugal are enhancing their legal frameworks to prevent illegal online gambling. Indonesia has taken a more aggressive approach by directly targeting individuals and networks involved in the promotion and operation of illegal gambling sites. In contrast, Portugal is focusing on increasing public awareness and the legal implications of gambling through unlicensed operators.
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