Refrain from online gambling: Riau Islands Governor to ASN

Speaking in Batam, Riau, on Friday, Ahmad said that if any ASN is found to be involved in online gambling, they will be subject to strict sanctions.

According to him, online gambling is an illegal activity that not only damages individual morals and economics, but also tarnishes the image of ASN as state servants.

“Next, we will communicate about the regulations with the Ministry of Home Affairs. If possible, don’t do that,” he added.

In addition to online gambling, illegal online loans (pinjol) are also a concern for the Riau Islands provincial government.

The governor asked ASNs to be wise and take legal loans, which are supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

Ahmad expressed the hope that through his appeal and the threat of sanctions, ASN in the Riau Islands will be more careful and avoid all forms of activities that could harm them and the institution.

The OJK has also appealed to the public to pay attention to online loan companies (pinjol) when taking loans.

Head of the provincial OJK, Sinar Danandjaya, said that the supervision and licensing of loan companies are under the purview of the central OJK.

“Our advice, the first, the public must ensure the loan was licensed and registered with the OJK before making loans,” he added.

According to him, the OJK has also formed a task force for eradicating illegal financial activities (Satgas PASTI) to check illegal lending companies.

“We collaborate with several parties. If there was an illegal financial services institution, we will follow up by closing and so on,” he said.

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