West Java Deputy Governor Urges Ombudsman to Strengthen Oversight of Civil Servants Involved in Online Gambling
West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan has highlighted the widespread practice of online gambling and illegal online lending that has reached various levels of society, including civil servants within the West Java Provincial Government. Speaking during a visit from a member of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia at Gedung Sate in Bandung on Friday, July 7, 2026, he noted that with a population of 51 million, the province faces concerning social issues despite achievements by the regional government and security forces. He stated that online gambling no longer only targets low-income groups but has spread to all levels, including members of the military, police, officials, and civil servants. Erwan revealed that data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) showed civil servants in West Java actively engaging in online gambling transactions, with some recording values of up to IDR 800 million in a single year. He stressed that the identities of these civil servants would be kept confidential, as the provincial government prioritises internal guidance through the Inspectorate to create a deterrent effect and prevent similar behaviour. Erwan added that the rise of online gambling is closely linked to the proliferation of illegal online loans, which lead to further economic and social problems, and he called for stronger public education on the dangers of both practices. He also encouraged the Ombudsman to enhance its oversight role. Ombudsman member Maneger Nasution stated that such involvement by state apparatus not only violates the law but also breaches ethical standards and could constitute maladministration. He affirmed that the Ombudsman prioritises prevention through strengthened regulations and supervision of strategic government programmes to avoid maladministration from the outset, and expressed readiness to increase synergy with the West Java Provincial Government to improve public service oversight and governance.