The Indonesian government has launched an investigation into online gambling activities within state bodies, following reports of public officials engaging in such illegal activities. The move comes amid growing concerns about the prevalence of online gambling in the country and its negative impact on society.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology Johnny G. Plate announced the investigation during a press conference on Monday, stating that the government is committed to cracking down on online gambling activities within government agencies. “We cannot tolerate any form of illegal gambling, especially within state bodies. We will take firm action against those found to be involved in such activities,” he said.
Plate also revealed that a special task force has been set up to investigate and monitor online gambling activities within government offices. The task force will work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend public officials who are involved in illegal gambling activities.
The investigation comes after several reports surfaced of state officials using government resources to gamble online. One such case involved a senior official from the Ministry of Finance who was caught gambling on a government-issued laptop during working hours. The official has since been suspended pending further investigation.
Indonesia has strict laws against gambling, with the government banning all forms of online gambling in 2012. However, it has proven to be a lucrative business in the country, with many illegal online gambling operations still operating under the radar.
The government’s crackdown on online gambling within state bodies is part of a broader effort to combat illegal gambling activities in Indonesia. Plate emphasized that the government will not hesitate to take legal action against those who are found to be involved in such activities, regardless of their position or status.
The investigation has been met with support from the public, with many praising the government’s efforts to root out corruption and illegal activities within state institutions. “It is high time that the government takes action against online gambling, which has been a scourge on society for far too long. We hope that this investigation will send a strong message to those who engage in such activities,” said one concerned citizen.
As the investigation unfolds, the Indonesian government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. The crackdown on online gambling within state bodies signals a significant step towards curbing the proliferation of illegal gambling activities in the country.