Minister Of Communication And Information: Eradication Of Illegal Online-Pinjol Gambling Must Be Comprehensive

JAKARTA - Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi said that the eradication of online gambling and online loans (pinjol) must be carried out comprehensively because there is an indication of a financial flow.

Budi Arie assesses that gambling and online loans are related, like siblings.

"I've said many times that online loans and illegal loans are brothers and sisters. This is my brother," said Budi Arie when giving a press statement at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, reported by ANTARA, Thursday, June 13.

Budi explained that his party, who is also part of the Online Judi Eradication Task Force, will also cooperate with all parties to eradicate online loans.

"We basically ensure that the eradication of online gambling and illegal online loans must be comprehensive. It can't be separo-separo, all lines must work together," said Budi.

Based on the information gathered, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) found indications of online gambling transactions through online loans.

PPATK stated that the disbursement of funds from peer to peer lending or online loans goes to customer bank accounts, so it mixes with other funds.

The Task Force for the Eradication of Illegal Financial Activities (Satgas PASTI) said it had blocked 824 illegal entities during the April-May 2024 period.

Of the total number, 654 of them are illegal online loan entities (pinjol) on a number of sites and applications as well as 41 personal loan offering content (pinpri) that have the potential to harm the community and violate the provisions for the distribution of personal data.

Meanwhile, the Online Judi Eradication Task Force, which will officially be formed by the President, has closed more than 2.1 million gambling sites.