Jakarta – The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi)’s firm action in eradicating online gambling has again targeted the accounts of famous celebrity Instagrammers who have been proven to promote this illegal activity.
Acting Director General of Public Communication and Media, Molly Prabawaty, emphasized that this step was taken to protect the public from the dangers of online gambling which is increasingly rampant in the digital space.
The three Instagram accounts blocked by Kemkomdigi are @nanda.feby06 with 428 thousand followers, @nagitaovely with 357 thousand followers, and @sayaafun with 762 thousand followers. All three are known to be actively involved in promoting online gambling sites, using their popularity to attract more victims.
“We will not tolerate anyone who uses their popularity to spread illegal practices such as online gambling. This is a serious threat to society, especially the younger generation,” Molly said.
Throughout December 2024, Kemkomdigi successfully took action against 221,116 online gambling content, accounts, and sites. In a broader period, 658,889 content has been taken down, including websites, social media platforms, and instant messaging applications.
This law enforcement step is also strengthened by the direction of President Prabowo Subianto and Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid to improve digital literacy. This program involves local governments to community groups, such as mothers, to provide an understanding of the dangers of online gambling.
“We invite the younger generation to become digital literacy volunteers. With their involvement, we hope to create a safer digital environment,” said Molly.
On the other hand, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo reported significant progress in uncovering online gambling cases.
“Online gambling crimes involving 1,918 suspects who acted as bookies, admins, operators, telemarketers, endorsers, collectors, and players,” he said.
He also explained that efforts to eradicate online gambling will be strengthened by implementing the Money Laundering Crime (TPPU) article. So far, the confiscated evidence includes land, buildings, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and cash worth Rp61.072 billion.
This synergy between government agencies is a strategic step to reduce the negative impacts of online gambling. The public, including celebrities, are expected to contribute by rejecting all forms of promotion of this illegal activity.
