Polri-Immigration Reinforces Synergy to Uncover International Online Gambling

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Immigration of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, along with the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian Police (Polri), continues to investigate the case of the online gambling practice uncovered in the Hayam Wuruk area, West Jakarta, involving 320 foreign nationals (WNA).

Head of the Immigration Supervision Subdirectorate, Arief Eka Riyanto, stated that the disclosure of this case is the result of synergy and cooperation between the Directorate General of Immigration and the Criminal Investigation Agency of the National Police in combating transnational gambling crimes.

He stated that his team is currently investigating the sponsors and guarantors who are suspected of facilitating the presence of hundreds of foreign nationals in Indonesia. "We will also conduct an investigation regarding the sponsors guaranteeing foreign nationals to be in Indonesia," Arief Eka Riyanto conveyed in Jakarta, Sunday, May 10, 2026.

He explained that the 320 foreign nationals who were temporarily detained are currently placed in detention houses and immigration detention rooms in the West Jakarta and Kuningan areas while awaiting further investigation by the police.

In addition to investigating the alleged immigration violations, Immigration is also examining the possibility of immigration-related crimes committed by the foreign nationals.

In the development of the case, the authorities also found an Indonesian citizen (WNI) who is suspected of being involved in the network. Based on the initial investigation, it was found that the individual had previously worked in Cambodia and is currently being examined for their involvement in the online gambling activities.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Police (Polri) reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating all forms of gambling, whether conducted online or conventionally. "We from the Indonesian National Police are committed to eradicating gambling crimes, both online and conventional gambling, because this is very detrimental to society and can harm the country's economy," Arief said.

He added that this disclosure is expected to be a firm step to prevent Indonesia from becoming a breeding ground for international online gambling networks. Until now, investigators are still delving deeper into the network, the flow of funds, and the parties suspected of providing operational facilities in the cross-border online gambling practices.