JUDI ONLINE INDONESIA: KASUS PEGAWAI KOMDIGI HINGGA TUDINGAN KONGLOMERAT PENGENDALI | Eps 215

Summary

In August 2024, Beni Ramdani, head of Indonesia's Migrant Worker Protection Agency, was investigated for mentioning an individual with the initial 'T' as a key figure behind online gambling operations in Indonesia. This sparked speculation about Tommy Hermawanlo, a businessman with ties to gambling in Cambodia. Despite denials from Tommy and his family, public concern grew over the involvement of high-profile figures in illegal gambling and trafficking networks. As government efforts to shut down online gambling sites continue, the case highlights the intersection of business, crime, and politics in Indonesia's fight against illegal gambling.

Takeaways

• 😀 Benny Ramdani, head of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI), was questioned by the police regarding his statement about an individual with the initial 'T' allegedly controlling online gambling in Indonesia.
• 😀 Tommy Hermawan, a young businessman and son of Jerry Hermawan, is linked to businesses involving casinos and online gambling, both in Indonesia and Cambodia.
• 😀 Jerry Hermawan, Tommy's father, is a prominent conglomerate with diverse business interests including real estate, mining, entertainment, and casinos in Cambodia, where his company also operates gambling establishments.
• 😀 Tommy Hermawan is associated with sports organizations, such as his position in the Indonesian Olympic Committee, and is involved in a number of companies, including in the real estate and entertainment sectors.
• 😀 Despite rumors linking Tommy Hermawan to online gambling, he and his father deny these claims, insisting their business operations in Cambodia comply with the law.
• 😀 Benny Ramdani first mentioned the individual with the initial 'T' in a speech, sparking public speculation that it referred to either Tommy Hermawan or Tommy Winata, a businessman previously linked to illicit activities.
• 😀 The police have not confirmed any legal connection between Tommy Hermawan and online gambling operations, though investigations are ongoing to clarify the situation.
• 😀 There have been concerns about the impact of online gambling in Indonesia, with reports indicating that even children are involved in gambling activities.
• 😀 Various individuals with ties to gambling operations in Cambodia, including Sun Erik, Harianto Lisnah, and Susanto Sokardi, are suspected of managing major gambling operations.
• 😀 Some Indonesian officials, including former Kemenkominfo minister Budi Ari Setiadi, have been criticized for allegedly protecting online gambling websites, with reports highlighting the involvement of government officials in the issue.

Q & A

Who is Benny Ramdani and why was he questioned by the police?

Benny Ramdani is the head of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI). He was questioned by the police after making public statements about a person with the initials 'T', whom he claimed was an online gambling kingpin in Indonesia. This led to an investigation regarding the person’s involvement in illegal gambling and human trafficking.

What was the controversy surrounding Benny Ramdani's statement about the initials 'T'?

Benny Ramdani referred to a person with the initials 'T' as a major figure behind online gambling and human trafficking activities in Indonesia. However, he later refused to disclose the identity of this individual. This created public speculation and led to investigations into several prominent figures, including Tommy Hermawanlo.

What role does Tommy Hermawanlo play in Indonesia's gambling industry?

Tommy Hermawanlo is a young businessman involved in several ventures, including real estate and sports. He is linked to the gambling industry through his family’s ownership of a casino in Cambodia, known as Kompong Dewa Casino and Resort. Though his involvement in online gambling remains unproven, his family’s business ties to gambling are notable.

What is the relationship between Tommy Hermawanlo and his father, Jerry Hermawan?

Tommy Hermawanlo is the son of Jerry Hermawan, a prominent businessman and property mogul in Indonesia. Jerry Hermawan has substantial business interests in Cambodia, including the ownership of casinos. Tommy has also been involved in several business ventures, some of which are related to sports and entertainment, but not directly in gambling operations.

What was Tommy Hermawanlo's involvement in the Kompong Dewa Casino in Cambodia?

Tommy Hermawanlo is listed as a director of the Kompong Dewa Casino and Resort in Cambodia, a business that his family owns. While the casino operates legally in Cambodia, Tommy's name has been linked to gambling activities, though he denies any involvement in illegal online gambling operations.

How did the police react to Benny Ramdani’s claim about 'T'?

After Benny Ramdani made his claim, the police investigated the issue, and Benny was questioned twice. However, he was unable to definitively identify the person behind the initials 'T'. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the public speculated that the initials referred to either Tommy Hermawanlo or Tommy Winata.

What is the significance of the initials 'T' in the context of online gambling in Indonesia?

The initials 'T' became a point of public intrigue after Benny Ramdani mentioned them in relation to the control of online gambling and human trafficking activities. This led to speculation about the identity of 'T', with figures like Tommy Hermawanlo and Tommy Winata being prominent suspects. However, no conclusive evidence has been provided linking them to these illegal activities.

Who are some of the other individuals associated with the online gambling industry in Cambodia?

Other individuals linked to online gambling operations in Cambodia include Erik Siswanto, Harianto Lisnah, and Susanto Sokardi, all of whom are believed to be involved in managing major casinos. Additionally, Putra Sampurna, a former tobacco company boss, was linked to a significant online gambling site called Mansion 88.

How did the Indonesian government respond to the growing issue of online gambling?

The Indonesian government has made efforts to combat online gambling, with authorities shutting down over 3 million gambling sites by October 2024. However, controversies have arisen, including accusations that government employees were protecting gambling sites in exchange for bribes, which undermines public trust in these efforts.

What role do influencers and celebrities play in promoting online gambling in Indonesia?

Several influencers and celebrities have been accused of promoting online gambling sites through endorsements. For example, comedian and politician Denny Cagur was noted for endorsing gambling sites, further fueling concerns about the normalization of illegal gambling in Indonesia, especially among younger audiences.