Tim Alper is a journalist who covers betting news and regulation for CasinoBeats. He joined the CasinoBeats team in May 2025. He reports on breaking news and developments in the world of betting, casinos, and...
Read Full BioOfficials in the Indonesian province of North Sumatra have launched a probe into a report claiming nine civil servants and government contractors spent money gambling online.
The claims come amid a wider nationwide crackdown on online gambling. However, the allegations are also a source of embarrassment for North Sumatra officials, whose Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Office (Dinas Koperasi dan UKM) website was hacked last year by unknown individuals. The hackers used the platform to promote illegal online casinos.
The scandal also comes in the wake of the discovery of a protection racket for online gambling platforms. Courts have determined that government officials were involved in operating the racket.
The Indonesian media outlet Waspada Online reported that members of the public are now “questioning the attitude of the North Sumatra leadership.”
Critics think that the local government has been “slow to take firm action” on the matter.
The central government’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has concluded an audit on the case.
The PPATK audit reportedly included evidence showing that the civil servants and contractors made deposits on online gambling platforms.
Indonesian Civil Servants Gambling Accusations Resurrect Hacking Controversy
The Head of the North Sumatra Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Office, Naslindo Sirait, confirmed that his office had launched an investigation into the allegations.
However, the media outlet noted that the allegations have “immediately reminded the public” about the 2024 Dinas Koperasi dan UKM hack.
It claimed that some are now “speculating that there is a link between poor system management and the rise of gambling within the government body.”
Naslindo said that there was no connection between the two cases. He also claimed that the Dinas Koperasi dan UKM is only the “operator” of the website. He added that the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology owns the site.
Serious Violation Charges Could Await Alleged Offenders
Under Indonesian law, online gambling is considered a “serious disciplinary violation” under the terms of the government’s code of conduct for civil servants.
Earlier this year, one of the country’s regencies reported a rise in online gambling-related divorces among civil servants.
Civil courts around the country claim that online gambling is now a leading cause of divorce. They state that many gamblers are losing the ability to provide for their families.
Critics have urged Jakarta to do more to stem the rise of online gambling platforms.
