Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is actively investigating allegations that several of its employees are engaged in online gambling activities.
“We have received information indicating the involvement of some employees in online gambling,” said KPK spokesperson Tessa Mahardika in Jakarta on Monday.
Tessa revealed that the commission has obtained a list of names suspected of participating in online gambling, although it was found that some names on the list do not belong to KPK employees.
“An initial investigation by the Inspectorate found non-KPK personnel listed. The Inspectorate continues gathering information for further action,” she stated.
KPK investigators underscored the commission’s commitment to root out and prevent such unethical practices from spreading.
“We have repeatedly reminded all employees about the impacts and risks of online gambling,” Tessa added.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Online Gambling Task Force reported that the country hosts 4 million online gamblers, with 40 percent aged between 31 and 50. Alarmingly, 80,000 of those addicted to online gambling are under 10 years old, and 440,000 are aged 11 to 20.
Financial intelligence unit PPATK noted a significant rise in suspicious online gambling transactions, from Rp 2.01 trillion in 2017 to Rp 327 trillion in 2023, and over Rp 100 trillion in Q1 2024. PPATK also disclosed that over 1,000 members of the House and Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) were implicated in online gambling
The Ministry of Communications shut down access to 2.95 million online gambling sites from July 2023 to June 2024. President Joko Widodo has consistently urged the public against online gambling.
Led by Chief Security Minister Hadi Tjahjanto, the government’s Online Gambling Task Force has already blocked 5,000 bank accounts suspected of involvement in online gambling. They plan further actions against those creating or using fraudulent bank accounts and tackling online game top-ups linked to gambling, alongside intensified anti-gambling campaigns.
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