Police response
The National Police has never clarified, nor confirmed the allegation against Sambo and other generals that are allegedly involved.
However, Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that he will not tolerate any misconduct by his officers, including if they are found to have backed some online gambling operators in the country.
Additionally, Sigit said on Thursday, August 18, 2022, that anyone involved in gambling-related activities, be it online or conventional gambling, is considered a criminal.
"I will not tolerate. If found, the officer will be dismissed. I don't care whether they are the district police head, a director, or a provincial police head, I will dismiss them," said the four-star general.
This also applies to officers working at the National Police's headquarters, he said.
Sigit also added that the police will discipline its officers.
Since Sambo's case became a hot topic among the Indonesian public, the police have conducted raids, and arrested several online gambline site operators.
The police have also arrested an Instagram celebrity endorsing online gambling, and a mother, who sells vegetables that was found to have facilitated online gambling via her smartphone.
Why is gambling illegal in Indonesia?
Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia where gambling is completely illegal, for both locals and foreigners.
Even though Indonesia is considered a secular democratic country, the dominance of its Muslim population influences a number of laws, including those that ban gambling.
According to Sharia law, gambling, alcohol, prostitution, and similar vices of society are corrupt and poisonous activities that will prevent Muslims from living their normal lives if they are involved.
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