JAKARTA - The National Police has secured 321 foreign nationals suspected of being involved in an online gambling network across the country. The operation is said to be part of efforts to eradicate digital crimes that target the Indonesian people through illegal gambling platforms.
The online gambling network is suspected of operating systematically and organized by utilizing digital infrastructure and regulatory loopholes to carry out its activities. The crackdown was carried out through a joint operation involving cross-agency coordination and intelligence support.
Director of the Indonesian Political House (RPI), Fernando Emas, appreciated the steps taken by the National Police in uncovering the network. According to him, the success of securing hundreds of foreign nationals reflects the implementation of the Precision concept carried out by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
"This step by the National Police is a concrete form of the implementation of the Precision concept launched by National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, a real siding with the people, especially for those who have been victims," Fernando said in his statement, Friday, May 15.
He assessed that cross-country online gambling had become a serious threat to society, especially the lower middle-income group who were often tempted by the lure of instant profits.
According to Fernando, the impact of online gambling not only causes financial losses, but also triggers social problems such as dependence, debt, family breakdown, and other criminal acts.
"The main victims of online gambling are small communities. Many have lost their savings, been entangled in debt, and even lost their families. The police's actions directly cut off the exploitation mechanism that targets vulnerable groups," he said.
Fernando also assessed that the arrest of 321 foreign nationals was a clear signal to international criminal networks that Indonesia could not be used as a soft target for cross-border digital crimes.
"This is not just a normal legal operation, but also a statement that Indonesia will not allow its people to be victims of organized crime from outside," he said.
He added that the success was proof that the police's predictive, responsive, and transparent approach was able to respond to the challenges of increasingly complex modern crime.
Fernando hopes that the momentum can be strengthened through adequate regulatory, technological, and human resource support so that the eradication of digital crime can be carried out sustainably.
"Enforcement of digital sovereignty is a shared responsibility. The National Police, government, civil society, and all elements of the nation must unite to face the ever-evolving digital crime," he said.
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