Indonesia President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has reiterated his statement that there will be no social aid for online gamblers.
“No aid,” the president was quoted by Indonesian news agencies, emphasising his earlier statement.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy has further clarified the statement.
“Note my statement in its entirety. We do believe that online gambling players must face legal consequences, as they are considered criminals. What I meant by social aid here is assistance dedicated to their children, wife or husband.”
The Minister’s statement was made in response to a social media discourse regarding social aid provided by the PMK Coordinating Ministry.
Effendy also further explained that his proposal of provisioning aid to family members affected by online gambling players was done in conjunction with the formation of the Task Force for Eradicating Online Gambling.
The aim was to reduce the economica and mental pressure faced by family members who were not involved in the illegal gambling but were also adversely affected.
Indonesia as a nation strictly prohibits any form of gambling. The recent crackdown against illegal gambling has also found them linked to money laundering crimes.
