Govt prioritizing 3 steps to check online betting: Gunawan

“Online gambling is a scam. The operators deceive the players, giving them (false) hopes of a win.”

Jakarta (ANTARA) –
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, said that a cross-institutional meeting held by the online gambling eradication desk resulted in the determination of three steps that will be prioritized by the government.

“The joint desk will cooperate with technology platforms and internet service providers to systematically block (access to online gambling sites),” he informed while elaborating on the first step at a press conference following the meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.

Second, the online gambling eradication desk will continue to trace the flow of money used in online gambling transactions, he said.

“We are pursuing transboundary coordination to detect money laundering crimes and take actions (against perpetrators),” he expounded.

Third, the joint desk, which comprises officials from across ministries and other state institutions, will intensify the dissemination of information on the dangers posed by online gambling, he said.

“Online gambling is a scam. The operators deceive the players, giving them (false) hopes of a win. The truth is that online gambling systems have been predetermined to ensure that no players can win and withdraw money,” he added.

Minister Gunawan presided over the online gambling eradication desk meeting, which was held at the office of the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry.

He established the cross-institutional desk, along with six similar desks, on November 4, 2024, appointing chief of the National Police (Polri), General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, as its leader.

The police chief was represented by head of the Polri’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim), Commissioner General Wahyu Widada, at Tuesday’s meeting.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid; head of the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), Hinsa Siburian; Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Satryo Brodjonegoro; and Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar were among the participants of the meeting.

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