Crackdown on Gambling Promotion Targets Social Media Influencers
A university student has been sentenced to prison for promoting gambling content on social media. The student earned between IDR 150,000 and IDR 10 million monthly, depending on engagement, for advertising unlicensed gambling platforms on Instagram and TikTok.
Youth Involvement on the Rise
Authorities are increasingly alarmed by the growing number of young Indonesians involved in online gambling—both as players and promoters. A recent case involving students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Tapanuli Selatan (UMTS), who embezzled IDR 1.2 billion in university funds to support their gambling habits, further highlights the urgency of intervention.
Mass Arrests and Seizures Reflect Sweeping Enforcement
The government’s anti-gambling efforts have intensified. From November 5 to 20, 2024, law enforcement conducted a wide-scale crackdown, resulting in the arrest of 734 suspects across 619 separate cases. Authorities seized over IDR 77.6 billion in assets linked to illegal gambling operations.
Digital Platforms Under Scrutiny
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has blocked more than 5 million pieces of gambling-related content and taken down hundreds of social media accounts involved in promotion. With platforms like Facebook and YouTube being used to lure players, the government is working closely with tech companies to identify and remove illegal content.
A Warning for Aspiring Influencers
This case serves as a stern warning: promoting gambling online, even as a paid influencer, carries severe consequences. Indonesia’s government hopes that the sentence will deter others and reinforce its commitment to curbing the spread of illegal gambling through digital channels.
