Antara, Jakarta – Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak on Friday condemned the alleged use of military housing as a base for an illegal online gambling operation, calling the incident deeply embarrassing and vowing that the Army would not protect personnel involved in wrongdoing.
"This is deeply embarrassing for us," Maruli said at Army Headquarters in Central Jakarta.
"We will make sure that no soldier involved in such activities is protected."
His remarks followed an Oct. 4 raid on a house inside the Cijantung Army residential complex in East Jakarta, where authorities uncovered a suspected online gambling operation.
Maruli confirmed that an Army officer had been detained at the Jakarta Military Command's Military Police Headquarters over allegations that he rented out his official residence to people operating the gambling business.
The officer was identified as Lt. Col. Arman, who serves as intelligence section chief of Jakarta Garrison Command I.
According to Maruli, residents became suspicious of activities inside the house and took action before military authorities became involved.
"If residents take part in maintaining security in their neighborhood, I think that is a good thing," Maruli said.
The incident was subsequently reported to the Jakarta Military Command's Military Police, whose personnel searched the property and detained 11 civilians found inside.
Military authorities also seized dozens of electronic devices believed to be connected to the suspected gambling operation.
Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono said the 11 civilians comprised six men and five women, all of whom were being questioned in connection with the case.
"We also seized evidence consisting of 32 computers, 14 mobile phones and nine identity cards," Donny said.
Online gambling is illegal in Indonesia, and authorities have stepped up enforcement against gambling operators and networks in recent years.
The case has also raised questions about oversight of military housing and the alleged use of an official residence for activities unrelated to military duties.
Maruli stressed that the Army would take firm action against personnel found to have violated the law or military regulations.