Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Budi Arie Setiadi, former Indonesian Minister of Communication and Informatics, is currently under scrutiny following revelations that 11 employees of the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) were allegedly involved in online gambling activities. This issue gained traction as the former minister faced questioning from Indonesian lawmakers regarding illegal online loans disguised as cooperatives.
During a session of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR), prominent member Rieke Diah Pitaloka interrogated Budi, raising concerns over the ministry’s alleged internal involvement in illegal gambling and loan syndicates.
Pitaloka, a PDIP politician, emphasized the need for decisive action, referencing Budi’s previous statements in August 2023, where he described online loans and gambling as “destructive siblings” that drive up crime rates in Indonesia.
With an estimated $9 billion in illegal loan transactions affecting Indonesian citizens, Pitaloka pressed Budi to crack down on this underworld. She further suggested swift dismissals for any civil servants found complicit in such activities. Pitaloka urged Budi to enforce Indonesia’s anti-corruption laws, including its IT and criminal codes, to set a firm example.
However, Budi stated that he is willing to cooperate with police investigations into the gambling allegations. “Let them investigate. We’re ready,” he said outside Indonesia’s Presidential Palace on November 6.
He also dismissed personal involvement in the case, clarifying his focus on his current responsibilities as Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises.
“My focus is on cooperatives and serving the people,” he stated, repeating this as he left reporters’ questions unanswered.
Police Pressured to Investigate Budi Arie Amid Komdigi Gambling Scandal
Despite distancing himself from the scandal, Budi’s past association with the accused Komdigi staff remains under media scrutiny. He was seen avoiding questions about the case at a separate event on November 5, merely affirming his commitment to his new role.
Budi’s remarks and the unfolding scandal have cast a spotlight on internal transparency and accountability within Indonesian governmental institutions, raising questions about the broader impact of gambling and illegal loan networks within these circles.
(Becky)
