Indonesian Ministry Staff Detained For Allowing Illegal Gambling Platforms

November 7, 2024 Indonesia Crime & Legal

Several staff members of the Indonesia Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) have been detained for allegedly allowing illegal online gambling sites to operate. Authorities announced this on November 4, 2024, highlighting serious concerns over misuse of power within the ministry tasked with regulating online content and protecting the public from illicit digital activities.

Indonesia maintains strict anti-gambling laws, prohibiting nearly all forms of gambling, including online platforms. Yet, with rising internet connectivity, gambling sites from abroad have found ways to reach Indonesian audiences. Despite government efforts to block such sites, a hidden network of ministry insiders allegedly exploited their positions to prevent the removal of these illegal platforms. Their actions enabled these gambling sites to continue targeting Indonesian users, undermining the ministry’s regulatory role.

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“A total of 11 employees of the ministry were deactivated after police arrests for alleged violations. Other individuals who may be involved are still under verification, pending further coordination between the Directorate General of Informatics Application at the Ministry of Communication and Digital and the Indonesian National Police. This verification will ensure clarity regarding the identities of the detained employees,” Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid said in a statement, as reported by Indonesia Business Post.

Reports reveal that these ministry employees manipulated the system to delay or bypass the government’s website-blocking protocols, effectively protecting certain gambling operators. Their involvement marks a severe breach of public trust and complicates efforts to enforce Indonesia’s strict gambling regulations.

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In response, the Indonesian government has ramped up its investigations, detaining involved employees and pledging to tighten internal controls within Kominfo. These measures include stronger oversight, revamped protocols for website blocking, and enhanced monitoring of ministry operations to prevent future misconduct.

In his statement issued November 6, President Prabowo Subianto vowed zero tolerance for officials or security personnel aiding online gambling operators.

Reiterating strict anti-gambling policies, Prabowo committed to continuing former President Joko Widodo’s directive to eliminate all gambling sites in Indonesia.

“[The president] said law enforcement agencies such as the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, and all state agencies must work hand-in-hand in combating online gambling. Nobody should provide the backing to online gambling,” said Communication Minister Meutya Hafid, as reported by JakartaGlobe.