Jakarta — The government has intensified monitoring of social assistance (bansos) distribution as part of broader efforts to eradicate online gambling. This step has become increasingly crucial following the emergence of digital groups such as the Kingdom Group, which is affiliated with gambling networks and actively promotes its activities on social media. The government stresses the importance of strengthening protection for beneficiaries to prevent them from being drawn into such networks.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, revealed a concerning finding related to the misuse of social assistance by its recipients. He stated, “We went to PPATK, and it turns out that bansos recipients are also playing online gambling. The number is around 600,000. Some even claimed to be BUMN employees, civil servants, and members of the TNI/Police.” According to him, this shows that misuse of assistance is widespread and must be immediately stopped.
Gus Ipul also highlighted a report from the National Economic Council regarding the inaccuracy of beneficiary targeting. He said, “Forty-five percent of recipients do not meet the criteria or are mistargeted,” emphasizing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the government’s beneficiary database. He stressed the importance of ensuring that social assistance does not fall into the hands of individuals who misuse it for activities such as online gambling.
In the Riau Islands, the Ministry of Social Affairs blocked 300 bank accounts belonging to social assistance recipients suspected of involvement in online gambling. The Head of Poverty Handling at the Riau Islands Social Affairs Office, Irwanto, explained, “The blocking was carried out directly by the Ministry because the accounts of these hundreds of recipients were allegedly used for online gambling transactions.” He stated that beneficiaries proven to be involved are automatically disqualified from receiving further assistance.
However, the government still provides room for individuals who believe they have been mistakenly identified. “If there is a misidentification, recipients may file an objection through their respective district or municipal social affairs office,” Irwanto said, ensuring that the process upholds fairness. He added that many beneficiaries were trapped not out of necessity, but due to addiction.
The government is also intensifying public outreach to ensure recipients understand the risks and impacts of online gambling, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups. Networks like the Kingdom Group are considered increasingly aggressive in luring the public with promises of instant profit. Therefore, public vigilance and digital literacy must be strengthened.
Ultimately, the government reiterates the importance of remaining alert to groups affiliated with online gambling, including the Kingdom Group which remains highly active across social media platforms. The public is urged not to be tempted by get-rich-quick schemes that ultimately lead to financial loss. With collective vigilance, social assistance can be preserved for its true purpose: strengthening vulnerable households, not becoming a gateway to new problems.