Budi Arie Must Not Be the Only One Punished

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Online gambling fees have not only been paid to Ministry of Communication officials. There is strong suspicion that the money has also been used to fund political operations.

THE online gambling case implicating former Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, meets the criteria of organized crime. Simply take a look at the pattern: a mobilizing structure, collusion between ministry officials and gambling businesses, threats and protection from government actors, as well as repeated—instead of incidental—occurrences.

The Ministry of Communication and Informatics—now the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs—which should have spearheaded the battle against online gambling, instead has shielded the illegal business. From January to October 2024, 24,092 gambling sites were protected by ministry employees and their cabal from banning. In return, these gambling businesses paid them every month, among others, through Zulkarnaen Apriliantony aka Tony, Budi Arie’s colleague.

During this period, the group made at least Rp219.81 billion. According to prosecutors, the money was allocated to Adhi Kismanto, who was recruited by Budi Arie through Tony, in the amount of 20 percent; Zulkarnaen 30 percent; and Budi Arie 50 percent. As the person who collected the online gambling fees, Tony once placed some of the money in Budi’s room with the knowledge of the host.

There is enough evidence for law enforcement to put Budi Arie and his gang away. Beyond that, law enforcers must investigate the gambling business operator and those who were profiting even more. The crime’s scope and magnitude warrant more serious consequences than implicating a minister or being stunned by over Rp200 billion in illegal fees.

From year to year, the players' total deposits continue to rise. Last year, the total amount reached Rp51.3 trillion, up from Rp31.5 trillion in 2023. The accumulated online gambling money in circulation last year amounted to Rp981 trillion, a significant increase from Rp327 trillion in 2023. This year, the figure is estimated to reach Rp1,200 trillion. The large turnover of gambling money makes deposits to the backers in the Ministry of Communication a mere dime.

This is why the accusation that ministry officials were not only receiving fees through their subordinates also makes sense. Direct gifts such as money, goods, property, and other items from gambling operators are more than likely. It’s also impossible that the money was only received by the Communication Minister and his people. The business would not have flourished without protection from corrupt political actors and law enforcers.

Indication that law enforcers have not been serious in their attempt to eradicate online gambling is apparent in the cases they have been investigating. So far, the police have only been targeting minor bookies or players, although the names of major gambling business people have been known, as reported by the public and mass media. This magazine’s report from Cambodia some time ago revealed that several Indonesian businesspeople have been managing online gambling targeting Indonesian gamblers.

Crossing national borders, there is no doubt that online gambling is an organized crime that requires extra serious handling. Law enforcers and online gambling operators have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship. When the murder case of Ferdy Sambo’s aide surfaced, the issue of gambling fees was also discussed. Sambo was believed to have been collecting fees from the gambling operators.

The massive online gambling money in circulation has caused law enforcement to fear acting against the criminal practice. It’s no news that fees paid by gambling businesses are often used to pay for political operations as well as for official activities, which cannot possibly make use of official budgets. This also explains why some gambling business owners are given a platform at official events and have the confidence to appear in public with government officials.

If the investigation into Budi Arie’s involvement continues, he cannot be sent to prison alone. As a former “activist,” he must speak loudly against other government officials and politicians involved. He has already told reporters the names of ministers and parties he feels deliberately implicated him. Next, he must name others who, for example, have used online gambling money to win elections.

To eradicate gambling, everyone has to burn.

Read the Complete Story in Tempo English Magazine

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