Indonesian Police Arrest Communications Ministry Employee Amid Online Gambling Allegations

Arrest Amid Online Gambling Crackdown

Indonesia’s National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency, known as Bareskrim, recently arrested an employee from the Communications and Digital Ministry.

The arrest, made on Thursday, is tied to allegations of involvement in illegal online gambling, signaling intensified efforts by authorities to address online gambling-related issues.

Ongoing Investigation and Statements from Law Enforcement

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko confirmed the ongoing investigation but refrained from disclosing specific details about the arrest. Andiko stated, “An employee of the communications ministry is still being examined to deepen the investigation,” as the police await further results from the investigative process.

Ministry’s Cooperation and Commitment to Transparency

Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized her ministry’s open collaboration with law enforcement authorities.

Since assuming her role last month, Hafid has advocated for transparency and accountability within the ministry, instructing staff to fully cooperate with any necessary investigations.

She stated, as reported by Antara, that “the enforcement of the law will be carried out firmly and without favoritism against anyone involved”.

Commitment to Digital Security and Combating Online Gambling

As the official responsible for enhancing digital security and combatting online gambling, Minister Hafid reiterated the ministry’s commitment to addressing criminal activities in the digital space.

“It is our commitment according to the President’s direction,” she affirmed, aligning her ministry’s actions with the directives set by President Prabowo Subianto.

Presidential Directives Against Online Gambling

President Prabowo Subianto has recently reinforced his stance against online gambling, deeming it contrary to Indonesian values.

Subianto has called for strict law enforcement and thorough evidence-gathering to counter the “serious threat” posed by illegal gambling, which he considers alongside corruption, smuggling, and fraud.

According to presidential communications office head Hasan Nasbi, Subianto is actively working on initiatives to protect Indonesia’s population from the impact of online gambling, including approximately 80,000 children under 10 who are estimated to participate.

In a continued effort to curb online gambling, Indonesia announced last month that it had blocked 3.8 million gambling websites over the past 14 months.