Gus Ipul Records 1.4 Million Social Assistance Recipients Linked to Online Gambling
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, has noted that more than 1.4 million beneficiaries of social assistance programmes are indicated to be playing online gambling.
“Similar to the current situation, involving a larger number, we are currently investigating 1.4 million [cases],” said Gus Ipul in a statement on Friday (4/9).
Gus Ipul stated that some of these individuals have already provided clarifications and promised not to engage in online gambling again. He explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs will conduct a sweep and verification of the data.
This step is being taken to ensure whether online gambling activities are truly being carried out by the beneficiaries themselves or if there are other parties using their identities or bank accounts.
“From the data we received from the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), we are investigating and sweeping through it. We are continuously striving to ensure that social assistance recipients indicated to be playing online gambling are given the opportunity to provide clarification,” he said.
Gus Ipul also explained that most of the online gambling activity is actually being carried out by family members of the beneficiaries, such as children, grandchildren, husbands, or wives, as well as other family members referred to as ‘non-administrators’.
“The administrators are the beneficiaries listed in the social assistance recipient accounts. Meanwhile, the non-administrators are their family members, which could be husbands, wives, children, or grandchildren within the same family card (KK),” he said.
Gus Ipul emphasised that although the verification and investigation process will take time, it is essential to ensure that social assistance is received by those entitled to it and used for its intended purpose.
In addition to ongoing investigations and ground checks, the Ministry of Social Affairs is also consolidating with local governments and social pillars to conduct education and socialisation for the beneficiaries.
Beyond the data on social assistance recipients, the Ministry of Social Affairs also noted that 1,900 employees within the Ministry are indicated to be involved in online gambling activities.
“We have also received data on Ministry of Social Affairs employees indicated to be playing online gambling, whether they are Civil Servants (PNS) or Government Employees with Work Agreements (P3K),” said Gus Ipul.
Gus Ipul stated that they are currently conducting investigations and will impose sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations. He mentioned that sanctions for employees could include warnings, delays in performance allowances, demotions, or dismissal.
“We are investigating and will certainly take action, ranging from warnings, demotions, to the delay of performance allowances. For P3K colleagues, their contracts may not be extended. We will definitely take actions in accordance with all existing regulations,” he added.