Indonesia Seeks Jail for Influencer Over Gambling Promotion

Indonesia’s crackdown on illegal online gambling has extended to another social media influencer, with prosecutors requesting a two-year prison sentence for an Instagram user accused of promoting an unlicensed gambling website.

The case involving Rahmawati Puspita Ningrum, currently being heard at a branch of the Surabaya District Court, highlights the government’s continued efforts to combat illegal online gambling. Authorities are increasingly pursuing not only gambling operators but also individuals accused of promoting unlawful platforms through social media.

Prosecutors Say Instagram Content Promoted Illegal Gambling

According to prosecutors, Rahmawati used her Instagram account to promote an online gambling platform, allegedly directing users to gambling services that are not legally permitted in Indonesia.

Court documents cited by local media state that she received approximately €125 in exchange for the promotional posts. Prosecutors have also requested a fine of around €6, with an additional month of imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

During a court session held on July 21, Rahmawati asked the court to consider a lighter sentence before the verdict is delivered.

The prosecution argues that the case involves more than standard advertising, maintaining that the sponsored posts encouraged public participation in illegal gambling activities.

Digital Wallet Transactions Form Part of Investigation

Investigators allege that the arrangement began in October 2025 after Rahmawati was contacted through WhatsApp by a man identified only as Justin.

According to police, Justin offered payment in exchange for promoting an online gambling website known as martabak188. Rather than linking directly to the main platform, investigators said the campaign used a mirrored website address, a method often used to bypass internet restrictions by redirecting users to alternative domains.

Authorities believe Rahmawati accepted the proposal and published several promotional posts. Prosecutors allege that Justin later sent three separate payments to her DANA digital wallet.

Cybercrime investigators traced those transactions before arresting Rahmawati on December 4, 2025, one day after the alleged final payment. She was taken into custody at a rumah kos, a type of boarding house commonly used by students and young professionals in Indonesia.

Investigation Into Alleged Recruiter Continues

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue searching for Justin, who has not been arrested. His full identity has not been disclosed in the court proceedings.

Court documents contain limited personal information about Rahmawati. Local media reported that older Instagram posts from 2018 showed her in a school uniform with classmates, although officials have not released details regarding her age.

The case forms part of Indonesia’s broader campaign against illegal online gambling, with enforcement efforts increasingly focusing on individuals accused of helping unlicensed operators promote their services through digital platforms.