Pressure Mounts on MKD to Disclose Lawmakers’ Names in Online Gambling Scandal

Jakarta. The House of Representatives’ Ethics Council (MKD) is under pressure to promptly disclose the full names of lawmakers involved in online gambling without using initials. The publication is deemed crucial to uphold the nation’s moral standards.

Executive Director of Indonesia Political Review (IPR) Ujang Komarudin emphasized the importance of full-name disclosure, saying, “Announcing complete names instead of initials is a positive step.”

According to Komarudin, publicizing the names of lawmakers suspected of engaging in online gambling is vital for maintaining national morality and official conduct.

“Public disclosure is essential to uphold ethical standards and legislative codes of behavior,” asserted Bhakti Eko Nugroho, a lecturer at the Department of Criminology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia (UI).

Nugroho stressed the need for transparent and accountable publication processes, given that online gambling remains a contentious issue of public concern.

“It is crucial for the public to know whether elected officials comply with ethical standards, behaviors, and prevailing laws,” Nugroho added.

The MKD, as the parliamentary ethics body, plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and investigating potential breaches by lawmakers.

Meanwhile, in the executive realm, disciplinary mechanisms from higher authorities are necessary to enforce regulations effectively.

“In the interest of accountability, the public ideally should have access to information on the progress of ongoing investigations as soon as possible,” Nugroho emphasized.

Previously, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) identified 82 members of the House of Representatives involved in online gambling.

“The MKD will handle the process,” Deputy Chairman of the House Commission III, Pangeran Khairul Saleh, said at the National Mandate Party Headquarters in South Jakarta.

Saleh acknowledged not knowing the identities of the lawmakers involved and anticipated the PPATK’s submission of names to the MKD and House Commission III soon.

“Eighty-two members of the House are implicated in online gambling. PPATK will likely deliver their names to Commission III and MKD. MKD will then process these 82 individuals,” Saleh confirmed.

Saleh expressed disappointment over lawmakers’ involvement in online gambling, considering it an unacceptable action.

“Gambling is a societal issue, but when lawmakers are involved, it crosses a line,” Saleh concluded.

PPATK disclosed that over 1,000 members of the House and Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) were implicated in online gambling during a working meeting with House Commission III at the Parliament building in Senayan, Jakarta.

PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana affirmed plans to forward the names of lawmakers involved in online gambling to House Commission III and the MKD for further action. Additionally, employees within the DPR Secretariat were found participating in online gambling activities.

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