Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s National Police (Polri) recently reported significant progress in their fight against online gambling. Between November 5 and 20, 2024, the police uncovered 619 cases of online gambling across the country and arrested 734 suspects. This operation is part of Polri’s commitment to supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita mission, which aims to address key national challenges.
“From November 5 to 20, 2024, we successfully uncovered 619 cases and arrested 734 individuals,” said Commissioner General Wahyu Widada, the head of Polri’s Criminal Investigation Department, during a press conference at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Roles in Online Gambling Operations
The arrested suspects include individuals involved in every facet of the illegal gambling network. Their roles ranged from operating and administrating gambling sites to acting as chip sellers, collectors, and talent scouts. Some were also tasked with creating and managing bank accounts used in these activities.
“These suspects include operators, admins, collectors, chip sellers, talent scouts, and others facilitating operations, such as creating bank accounts,” Wahyu explained.
Seized Assets
During the crackdown, authorities confiscated cash and assets totaling IDR 77.65 billion (approximately $4.9 million). Other seized items included 858 mobile phones, 111 laptops and tablets, 470 bank account books, 829 ATM cards, six vehicles, two properties, and two firearms.
“The total seized cash amounts to IDR 77,653,433,548. Additional evidence includes mobile devices, laptops, bank books, ATM cards, vehicles, properties, and firearms,” Wahyu elaborated.
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Nationwide Commitment
Polri reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating online gambling throughout Indonesia. This operation, involving all regional police departments, is a large-scale effort to dismantle the networks behind these illegal activities.
Online gambling has become a growing problem due to the increased use of digital platforms, leading to widespread financial and social repercussions. Polri’s strategy targets not only the operators but also facilitators, aiming to disrupt the entire ecosystem of online gambling.
As these efforts continue, Indonesian authorities hope to significantly reduce the prevalence of online gambling and its associated harms. The crackdown underscores the government’s determination to address this issue, which poses risks to public welfare and economic stability.
(Becky)
