Gambling Is Not A Shortcut To Be Rich, It Is Against The Law With Threat Of Imprisonment And A Maximum Fine Of IDR 25 Billion

Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Pol Ahmad Luthfi/Photo: Doc. Central Java Police

SEMARANG - Based on an analysis conducted by the Central Java Police, the recent rise in gambling cases is due to unscrupulous people seeking instant solutions to the economic difficulties they experienced during the pandemic.

"Based on the economic difficulties during the pandemic and being tempted by more results as a bookie, finally looking for a shortcut by gambling, luck and hoping to get rich instantly," explained Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Pol Ahmad Luthfi in a written statement, Monday, August 22.

Therefore, the Regional Police Chief stated that the prosecution of gambling cases was a form of guidance to the public to stay away from all forms of gambling activities.

"We are not proud to take action against the public, but rather to provide guidance that gambling is an act that violates the law and is prohibited in religion. We will take action against all forms of gambling," he said.

In order to eradicate all gambling activities in the community, the Central Java Police have made several efforts, including using preventive and preemptive methods that involve internal and external parties.

"We involve internally all work units and ranks as well as from external parties, both community leaders, religious and so on to provide various appeals to the public to stay away from all forms of gambling activities," said the Regional Police Chief.

The repressive method mentioned by the Regional Police Chief is the last step taken to provide a deterrent effect on the community. He also emphasized that the Central Java Regional Police and their staff would not tolerate any form of gambling and that the Indonesian National Police were present in guarding Harkamtibmas.

The Regional Police Chief said that during the period from January to July 2022, the Central Java Regional Police had succeeded in uncovering 224 gambling cases and securing 381 suspects.

"Today what was held was the result of revealing cases by the Central Java Police and their ranks, in a day we have revealed 112 gambling cases with 256 suspects. This number is the result of prosecution at 35 Polres in Central Java," said Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Pol Ahmad Luthfi through a written statement, Monday, August 22.

Of the hundreds of suspects who were arrested, there were 24 who acted as dealers. The total money from gambling that was also secured reached around IDR 72 million.

For their actions, the suspects were threatened with entanglement in Article 303 of the Criminal Code, Article 303 bis. The Criminal Code concerning gambling carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison or a maximum fine of IDR 25 million. Meanwhile, online bookies will be subject to additional articles in the form of article 27 paragraph (2) of the ITE Law with a maximum threat of 6 years in prison and a maximum fine of IDR 25 billion.