Gov’t to Take Strict Action on Online Gambling

Minister of Communications and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

Ministry of Communications and Informatics joins hands with the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to take strict action against individuals involved in online gambling.

According to Minister of Communications and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi, the action will target everyone involved from app developers and dealers to sponsors and promoters.

“Everyone involved in online gambling will face legal consequences. This action is a tangible effort to eliminate the negative impact of online gambling on the general public,” the Minister said during a press conference on the handling of online gambling, in Jakarta, Tuesday (08/08).

“From Higgs Domino Island site alone, the average monthly earnings reach around Rp2.2 trillion, equivalent to approximately US$150 million. This sums up to nearly Rp27 trillion per year for a single site.” he said.

The Minister also said that the action must be taken because slot gambling poses a potential threat to society, particularly impacting the lower middle class and potentially ensnaring children.

“Unfortunately, the victims are often vulnerable communities. Consider that 30 thousand instances of slot gambling occur daily. In a month it could be 900 thousand. And tragically, even children can fall victim to it,” he added.

The Minister also reiterated that his department is committed to fostering collective awareness to eliminate online gambling, even in the face of potential challenges.

“We will coordinate with law enforcement officials, the Indonesian Police. We also urge that the destructive power of slot gambling is the common people and young children,” he said.

“We will work closely with the Indonesian Police and urge to recognize the harmful impact of slot gambling on the general public and young children,” he explained.

On that occasion, the Minister underlined the importance of increasing digital literacy in the community to keep pace with the rise of slot gambling.

“We’re working closely with the law enforcement, educating developers, and banks to block accounts, and even taking steps to block sites linked to influencers promoting slot gambling. Our aim is to protect the public, especially young children,” he remarked. (PR of Ministry of Communications and Informatics/UN) (RIF/MUR)