Menpan RB issues strict action against ASN for playing online gambling

Illustration of ASN-PNS. (Between)

JAKARTA - Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (Menpan RB) Abdullah Azwar Anas issued a circular (SE) regarding the prevention and handling of online gambling within government agencies.

According to him, the phenomenon of online gambling has become increasingly troubling and has involved various groups, including the state civil apparatus (ASN).

"We have issued a circular to prevent and deal with online gambling. We will take firm action against the ASN involved," Anas said in his statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, September 24, which was confiscated by Antara.

The online gambling ban is contained in the Circular of the Minister of PANRB No. 5/2024 concerning Prevention and Handling of Online Gambling in Government Agencies, which was signed on September 24, 2024.

In addition, he explained that online gambling is also a violation of the law. This is because this behavior can cause financial losses, social and psychological disorders, and can even encourage other criminal behavior.

According to Anas, gambling crimes have entered a worrying point.

Based on data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the value of online gambling transactions in the first quarter of 2024 has reached Rp600 trillion.

He appealed to government agencies to carry out campaigns or movements to support anti-online gambling.

Central and local government agencies are advised to carry out educational activities for ASN and non-ASN about the bad effects of online gambling.

"Employees (PPK) and direct superiors are obliged to supervise their employees to find indications of online gambling," he said.

If there are indications found, PPK or superiors can give a warning or warning to the person concerned.

For ASN online gambling actors whose violations have a bad impact on work units or agencies, they can be given light to moderate punishment.

Meanwhile, if it has a bad impact on the state or government, it will be sentenced to severe disciplinary action.

"For ASN employees who are still suspects in the online gambling crime process, disciplinary violations can be examined in accordance with statutory provisions," wrote the SE.

Meanwhile, for ASN who have been designated as an online gambling defendant, the follow-up to the handling is carried out after the court's decision is inkrah or has permanent legal force.

In the letter, it was explained that ASN who was detained for being a suspect or a defendant in an online gambling case, PPK was obliged to temporarily suspend the employee. This is in accordance with Article 53 paragraph (2) of Law Number 20 of 2023 concerning ASN.

This SE also takes firm action against non-ASN personnel involved. Non-ASN employees who are proven to be involved in online gambling can be taken into consideration by authorized officials to conduct work assessments.

"Or termination of employment for non-ASN employees is carried out according to the work contract agreement," said Anas.

The leadership of government agencies is expected to carry out periodic monitoring and evaluation of efforts to prevent and handle online gambling.

Every government agency is also advised to convey the efforts made by each agency, to the Minister of PANRB c.q Head of the State Civil Service Agency (BKN).

"More details regarding SE Menpan RB Number 5 of 2024 concerning Prevention and Handling of Online Gambling Activities in Government Agencies," please click the link.