Jakarta, IO – Head of the Online Gambling Eradication Task Force, Hadi Tjahjanto, revealed that hundreds of journalists have fallen victim to online gambling as the illegal activities could target anyone.
He even said that transactions involving journalists reached billions of rupiah. “Let me just give you a clear example, there are 164 journalists who have also fallen victim,” said Hadi, per CNN Indonesia, Tue (25/6).
“Based on data from PPATK [Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center], the amount of money involved is Rp1,477,160,821 from 6,899 transactions.”
Hadi, who is also the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister, said that his ministry currently holds data including the full names and telephone numbers of the online gambling operators. The government will target these groups as a prevention and rehabilitation effort.
Read: 2024 Charming Guangdong, World-Class Tourist Destination
Meanwhile, Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi also highlighted online gambling among journalists. He asked all parties to step up vigilance and support the goverment’s efforts to eradicate online gambling which has ruined many lives.
“164 journalists is not a small number,” said Budi.
Budi said the government considers online gamblers as victims. He said the steps taken are not aimed at arrests, but recovery. “They are victims too, so they will not be arrested,” said Budi. (un)