JAKARTA – Online gambling has become increasingly troubling and has involved various groups, including the state civil apparatus (ASN).
In order to reduce the negative impact of online gambling among ASNs, the Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Abdullah Azwar Anas has issued a circular on the prevention and handling of online gambling within government institutions.
Minister Anas stressed that online gambling is a crime. Such behavior can lead to financial losses, social and psychological disorders, and can even encourage other criminal behavior. It is undeniable that ASN can also be involved in this online gambling circle.
“We have issued a circular to prevent and deal with online gambling. ASNs involved will be subject to strict action,” said Minister Anas.
The ban on online gambling is contained in PANRB Ministerial Circular Letter No. 5/2024 on the Prevention and Handling of Online Gambling in Government Agencies, which was signed on 24 September 2024.
The crime of online gambling has reached an alarming point. Based on data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), the value of online gambling transactions in the first quarter of 2024 has reached Rp600 trillion.
Minister Anas urged government institutions to conduct campaigns or movements in support of anti-online gambling. Central and regional government institutions are encouraged to conduct educational activities for ASN and non-ASN about the adverse effects of online gambling.
“Personnel Supervising Officials (PPK) and direct superiors are obliged to supervise their employees to find indications of online gambling,” said Minister Anas. If an indication is found, the PPK or superior can give a warning to the person concerned.
For ASN online gambling perpetrators whose violations have a negative impact on the work unit or institution, light to moderate punishment can be imposed. Meanwhile, if it has a negative impact on the state or government, a severe disciplinary penalty will be imposed.
“For ASN employees who are still suspects in the process of online gambling criminal offenses, disciplinary violations can be examined in accordance with statutory provisions,” the letter read.
As for ASNs who have been named as defendants in online gambling cases, follow-up handling is carried out after a court decision that is inkracht or legally binding.
The letter explained that PPK must temporarily dismiss ASNs who are detained as suspects or defendants in online gambling cases. This is in accordance with Article 53 paragraph (2) of Law No. 20/2023 concerning ASN.
This Circular Letter 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 carry out work appraisals.
“Termination of employment of non-ASN employees is carried out in accordance with the employment contract agreement,” said Minister Anas.
Leaders of government institutions are expected to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of efforts to prevent and handle online gambling.
Each government institution is also encouraged to submit the efforts made by each agency to the Minister of PANRB c.q Head of the National Civil Service Agency (BKN).
