Seizure of Aruss Hotel Semarang Proof of Commitment to Taking Action Against Online Gambling
Semarang – Aruss Hotel Semarang has become the center of attention after the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit seized the building. The hotel is suspected of being built using funds from money laundering (TPPU) from online gambling bookies. This seizure shows the seriousness of the authorities in eradicating illegal practices that harm the community.
The Director of Special Economic Crimes (Dirtipideksus) of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police, Brigadier General Pol Helfi Assegaf, emphasized that this confiscation is part of a firm step in eradicating online gambling. “We are releasing a release related to the confiscation of one of the assets that is the end result of online gambling money laundering,” he said on Monday (6/1/2025).
The hotel building managed by PT Arta Jaya Putra is related to the investigation of several online gambling platforms such as Dafabet, Agen 138, and Judi Bola. “From tracing financial transactions carried out by players to bookies, we have been investigating for some time,” added Helfi. The funds for the construction of this hotel are suspected to have come from the account of someone with the initials FH, who currently has witness status. The funds were transferred through five different accounts.
In addition, individuals with the initials GP and AS are suspected of being involved in the withdrawal and deposit of Rp 40.5 billion in cash used to fund the construction of the hotel. Despite being in confiscation status, the operation of the Aruss Hotel was not disrupted. Monitoring on Monday (7/1/2025) showed confiscation signs attached to two pillars in front of the hotel lobby, although covered in black plastic.
In this confiscation process, the Central Java Regional Police provided full support to the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit team. Head of Public Relations of the Central Java Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Artanto, explained that his party was tasked with helping with security and documentation during the activity. “You can confirm with the Public Relations Division. In principle, we help back up the process. We, the Public Relations Division, do the documentation,” he explained at the Central Java Regional Police.
This firm step shows the government’s commitment to eradicating cybercrime, especially online gambling. By confiscating assets related to criminal acts, law enforcement officers have succeeded in breaking the chain of economic crime. This kind of action is part of a national strategy to create a clean economic space free from illegal practices that harm the wider community.
The public is urged to be more vigilant and avoid making reservations or transactions at the Aruss Hotel Semarang until the ongoing legal process is complete. This step is important to support law enforcement and ensure that the public does not inadvertently contribute to the use of assets suspected of being related to criminal acts.
