MUI Supports Government’s Firm Action Against Social Aid Recipients Involved in Online Gambling
Jakarta – The Indonesian government has confirmed it will take firm action against recipients of social assistance (bansos) who are proven to be involved in online gambling activities. This was stated by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi in response to a report from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) regarding thousands of social aid beneficiaries listed as online gambling players.
“If it is detected that the assistance is being used for online gambling activities, we will consider removing them from the list of social assistance recipients,” Prasetyo asserted in his statement.
According to Prasetyo, the policy of removing such recipients from the program is possible because the government already operates an integrated single data system. This system contains detailed information, including the names, addresses, and bank account numbers of beneficiaries, enabling more accurate validation and evaluation of the social assistance program.
“In relation to our fellow citizens whose social assistance is detected or suspected to be used for online gambling activities, of course we will evaluate their eligibility,” he added.
Previously, PPATK released a report indicating that 9.7 million National Identification Numbers (NIK) were linked to online gambling activities. Of that number, 571,410 NIKs were recorded as social aid recipients in 2024, with a total deposit value for online gambling reaching IDR 957 billion.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has also expressed its support for the policy. Deputy Chairman of MUI’s Advisory Council, Zainut Tauhid Sa’adi, stated that such action represents the enforcement of social ethics and justice in the distribution of state assistance.
“In Islamic law, gambling is strictly prohibited and considered haram, as stated in Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala’s command in Surah Al-Maidah verse 90,” Zainut explained.
Zainut also warned that gambling is addictive and destructive. According to him, gamblers can sacrifice anything they own, including social assistance funds that should be used for their family’s essential needs.
