Eleven Communication Ministry Officials Arrested in Online Gambling Crackdown
Jakarta Police announced on Sunday that 11 officials from the Communication and Digitalization Ministry have been arrested in a crackdown on illegal online gambling.
The identities of the arrested officials have not yet been released. They are accused of facilitating online gambling operators by keeping their websites online despite a presidential order to shut down all gambling applications and websites.
Jakarta Police spokesman Ade Ary Syam Indradi stated that two additional individuals were arrested on Sunday, bringing the total number of suspects to 16. This includes five private citizens.
Raid Uncovers Gambling Network
On Saturday, Jakarta Police’s General Crime Division Director Chief Comr. Wira Satya Triputra revealed that investigators raided a shop at the Grand Galaxy City residential complex in Bekasi. They discovered computers and equipment used to track gambling websites.
The arrested officials were responsible for identifying and taking down gambling sites and apps. However, allegations suggest they misused their authority and implemented the presidential order selectively, operating from an unofficial office in Bekasi.
Allegations of Bribery
According to police investigations, the group of officials allowed 20% of approximately 5,000 identified gambling websites to continue operating in exchange for money. Each website reportedly paid Rp 8.5 million ($540) for continued impunity.
The suspects include several expert staff members working directly for the communication minister, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Minister pledges full cooperation
Newly-appointed Communication Minister Meutya Hafid has affirmed full support for the ongoing police investigation. She stated, “The law must apply firmly to anyone involved in the scandal without exception, especially officials from our ministry.”