TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) warned of dismissal and criminal prosecution for soldiers found participating in online gambling activities.
Major General Yusri Yunarto, Commander of the Military Police Center at TNI Headquarters, emphasized the implementation of strict sanctions as part of their commitment to maintaining a superior, gambling-free TNI.
"Don't attempt it again," Yusri stated during a meeting at the Gatot Soebroto Hall in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Since November, the TNI has addressed the involvement of 4,000 soldiers in online gambling, taking actions ranging from sanctions to ongoing criminal prosecution.
In an effort to prevent further incidents, Yusri noted that the Military Police Center has directed unit commanders across the country to conduct outreach and raid mobile devices. The purpose of these raids is to safeguard the morality and psychology of soldiers amid rapid technological advancements.
Going forward, soldiers' gadgets will be checked to ensure no prohibited apps are downloaded. "Often, soldiers' devices contain many Michat apps," Yusri said.
While acknowledging the growing role of technology, Yusri pointed out that soldiers can fall victim to its negative effects. The institution plans to carry out regular outreach to prevent soldiers from becoming overly immersed in their gadgets.
Yusri also clarified that a lack of prosperity among soldiers is not the main driver behind their involvement in online gambling, citing that TNI soldiers have adequate welfare. "The issue is the tendency to engage with gadgets. This is why outreach is essential," he explained.
Additionally, the Financial Transactions and Analysis Center (PPATK) reported in November that 97,000 TNI-Polri members were involved in online gambling.
Budi Gunawan, Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, revealed that the government has established 20 task forces to address the issue of TNI-Polri involvement in online gambling.
"The President has instructed all institutions and their ranks to no longer tolerate corruption, including online gambling," Budi stated at the Ministry of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs office on November 11, 2024.
Dinda Shabrina contributed to the writing of this article.
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