The influencers allegedly promoted online gambling on social media.
Indonesia.- The Indonesian National Police has reported that it has identified 85 influencers suspected of promoting online gambling on social media. At a press conference at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Office in Central Jakarta, commissioner general Wahyu Widada said police began investigations following the creation of the Online Gambling Eradication Task Force on November 5.
Police have classified the influencers as suspects based on evidence and testimonies from witnesses. Wahyu said that some cases are not new, as several influencers had previously engaged in online gambling promotion even if the websites they promoted are no longer operational. Their identities were not revealed.
Meutya Hafid, Indonesia’s communication and digitalisation minister, has announced a restructuring within the communications ministry following the arrest of ten officials accused of accepting bribes from online gambling operators. According to Jakarta Globe, the reorganisation will concentrate on job rotations and placing staff in positions that suit their skills and expertise.
Hafid, who has been in her position for only three weeks, highlighted the importance of collaboration with other government bodies, including the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the anti-money laundering agency (PPATK), to improve oversight.
