Indonesian parliament presses for action on online gambling case
Calls mount for law enforcement to pursue allegations involving former minister.
Key points:
– Lawmakers urge investigation into online gambling case linked to ex-minister
– Allegations include share of protection funds for gambling sites
– Ex-minister denies claims, calling them baseless and damaging
The Indonesian House of Representatives has renewed calls for authorities to act decisively on an online gambling case in which former communications minister Budi Arie Setiadi has been implicated.
As reported by Tempo, members of Commission III stated that testimony and charging documents have linked the former minister to protection of gambling sites under the Ministry of Communication and Information. Legislators insisted that if evidence exists, he must face legal consequences.
The controversy follows President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet reshuffle earlier this month, which removed Budi Arie from his post. Witnesses in court have alleged that he was aware of illicit arrangements to shield gambling websites and that he received 50% of proceeds from unblocked platforms.
Budi Arie has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as false narratives intended to damage his integrity. He said the figures in the indictment represented internal discussions among suspects and stressed that he never benefited from such schemes. While serving as minister, he claimed to have actively cracked down on gambling sites.
Good to know: Gambling remains illegal in Indonesia, with online platforms often operating overseas while targeting local players
The debate has intensified pressure on President Prabowo’s administration, with lawmakers also calling for a review of other unresolved cases, including the 2023 corruption scandal at the ministry involving the BTS 4G project.
Supporters argue that strengthening the Corruption Eradication Commission’s resources will be key to addressing these issues.
Parliamentarians highlighted that law enforcement agencies must handle the matter thoroughly, ensuring that both corruption and online gambling cases are resolved transparently to uphold public trust.
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