Key points:
- Student sentenced to two and a half years in prison for Instagram gambling promotions
- Judge cites lack of support for anti-gambling efforts as aggravating factor
- Fine imposed with option of additional jail time if unpaid
A district court in Medan has sentenced a university student to two years and six months in prison for using social media to promote an online gambling site.
Indah Siska Sari, a 20-year-old student from Langkat Regency, was found guilty under Article 45(3) of the 2024 Electronic Information and Transactions Law. The court also imposed a fine of Rp50m (US$3,100), with an additional two months in prison should the fine remain unpaid.
Presiding Judge Vera Yetti Magdalena noted that the defendant’s actions undermined the Government’s campaign against gambling-related crime. However, the court recognised her remorse and lack of previous criminal offences as mitigating factors.
The case began following a public complaint in October 2024 about a woman promoting gambling content via Instagram. Police tracked the posts to a café in East Medan, where Sari was apprehended. A review of her phone and social media account confirmed that she had used the platform to advertise for a gambling site known as Hopeng.
According to the prosecution, Sari promoted the site from August to early October 2024, receiving Rp300,000 every 15 days. Her total earnings amounted to Rp850,000, which she claimed had been used to cover university-related expenses.
Prosecutor Vina Monica had initially sought a three-year sentence and a fine of Rp15m, but the court opted for a reduced term due to the defendant’s cooperation and early admission.
Both Sari and the Medan District Prosecutor’s Office were given one week to appeal the verdict.
