Minister Amran dismisses 13 officials involved in online gambling

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman dismissed 13 of his echelon officials suspected of involvement in online gambling, which he deemed a violation of discipline and a blemish on the integrity of the civil service.

Amran said the decision was made following a leadership meeting that began at 6:00 a.m. local time and continued with a discussion of the investigation findings concerning the officials.

“After the meeting, we took action against some echelon officials. There is no need to mention their names, just that they are officials. We dismissed 13 people for indiscipline and involvement in online gambling,” the minister said at a press conference on Monday.

The dismissals followed reports received by the ministry regarding the alleged involvement of several officials in online gambling. The reports were thoroughly verified before the decision was made.

According to Amran, all officials proven to be directly involved would be permanently dismissed. He also instructed the ministry’s Inspectorate General and Secretariat General to immediately prepare replacements.

He stressed that civil servants involved in online gambling cannot be tolerated because such conduct violates public service ethics and their responsibilities.

Civil servants must set an example for the public, while officials found guilty of violating the law should be dismissed despite having received previous warnings, the minister said.

Amran said the policy is intended to reinforce awareness of disciplinary consequences and serve as a warning to all Agriculture Ministry officials against violations.

He added that the measure was taken out of concern for employees and their families, urging them to act responsibly.

“Because I feel sorry for their children and spouses. That is my proof of care for them,” he said.

“As a leader, I must guide them on the right path. Guide them to become good people, good servants, exemplary employees, exemplary civil servants. So, I am obligated to guide them,” he continued.

Regarding the alleged corruption case, Amran clarified that the dismissals were unrelated to the case and were based solely on the officials’ involvement in online gambling.

He revealed that investigations showed some officials had made online gambling deposits amounting to nearly Rp200 million (US$11,000), strengthening the basis for imposing permanent sanctions.

He assured that the dismissals would not disrupt the ministry’s performance, as the ministry has approximately 52,000 employees and all vacant positions had been immediately filled by replacements.