Indonesia investigates gambling operations concealed within family entertainment arcades
Following police raids in Jakarta that uncovered illegal gambling activities operating through arcade-style venues, Indonesian authorities and lawmakers are calling for stricter oversight of amusement centre licences.
Indonesia.- Indonesia is intensifying efforts to combat illegal gambling after authorities uncovered a network of gambling operations disguised as family entertainment arcades in Jakarta, prompting calls for tighter regulatory oversight of electronic gaming and amusement venues across the country.
The case emerged after a series of raids conducted by the Metro Jaya Regional Police in North and West Jakarta, where officers discovered gambling activities operating under the appearance of children’s entertainment centres. The operation led to the arrest of 69 people, including venue managers, employees and players, and authorities confiscated more than 130 gaming machines.
According to investigators, the venues featured machines themed around popular arcade attractions and children’s games, including Mickey Mouse-themed games, shooting fish games, roulette-style titles and other electronic entertainment products. Authorities allege that the operators had implemented a system allowing players to exchange deposits for vouchers, convert vouchers into game credits, and subsequently redeem winnings for cash or gold.
Sarifuddin Sudding, a member of Commission III of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR), said the case shows how illegal gambling is adapting beyond traditional formats. “This case shows how gambling practices continue to adapt by utilising spaces that have long been considered by the public as places for family and children’s entertainment,” Sudding said.
He called for stronger supervision of arcade and electronic gaming venues and urged authorities to review licensing procedures for amusement centres across Indonesia. “Don’t let entertainment business permits be used as a cover for gambling activities,” he said.
Sudding also urged law enforcement agencies to widen the investigation beyond venue employees and patrons to identify those responsible for organising and financing the operations.
