Jakarta (ANTARA) - Lawmaker Martin Tumbeleka has urged law enforcement to investigate public figures, including artists, suspected of promoting online gambling.
Lawmaker calls for probe on
In a statement on Friday, he emphasized that law enforcement must ensure fairness, even when dealing with public figures involved in online gambling.
"Many artists, influencers, and celebrities have recently been questioned, but their cases remain unclear," he said.
Tumbeleka highlighted the arrest of popular TikTok personality Gunawan "Sadbor," who faces up to 10 years in prison for allegedly promoting online gambling in his broadcasts, where he danced with members of his community in Sukabumi, West Java.
During these broadcasts, viewers sent virtual gifts, and Gunawan read messages from them, including one that contained an online gambling promotion. This case, along with the involvement of other public figures, underscores the need for thorough investigations, Tumbeleka added.
He called for transparency and justice in handling online gambling cases, stressing the importance of holding both ordinary individuals and high-profile figures accountable for promoting illegal activities.
Tumbeleka warned against selective enforcement and urged law enforcement to treat all individuals equally under the law. Several artists, including Wulan Guritno, Yuki Kato, and dangdut singer Cupi Cupita, have been questioned by police over their involvement in online gambling promotions.
He noted that celebrity endorsements often sway the public, making online gambling appear legitimate to many. Tumbeleka emphasized the need for strong government action to eradicate online gambling and impose strict penalties on those who promote it.
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On Wednesday, Head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) Ivan Yustiavandana revealed that online gambling transactions in Indonesia this year had reached Rp283 trillion (around US$18 billion).
Tumbeleka stressed the urgent need to address the issue and called for effective enforcement measures to protect the public. President Prabowo Subianto has urged law enforcement officers to take firm action against four major crimes: online gambling, drugs, smuggling, and corruption.
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Recently, police arrested 16 individuals in connection with an alleged online gambling case involving employees at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.
These employees reportedly misused their authority by not blocking online gambling sites, despite having the authority to monitor and block such websites.
celebs linked to online gambling
File - Martin Tumbeleka, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR). ANTARA/HO-DPR RI
File - Martin Tumbeleka, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR). ANTARA/HO-DPR RI