Friday, 04 September 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - The Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has uncovered a suspected illegal gambling operation in the form of a casino at 9 Stage Lounge & Bar, Ruko Nagoya Indah Blok D2 No. 9, Batu Selicin, Batam City. During the operation, police detained 197 people and seized numerous pieces of evidence, including approximately Rp7.79 billion in cash and 105 slot machines.
The Head of the Public Relations Division of the Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepulauan Riau), Police Commissioner Dr. Nona Pricillia Ohei, provided an initial update on the investigation during a doorstop press briefing at the lobby of the Barelang Police Headquarters (Polresta Barelang) at 11:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, August 16, 2026.Nona explained that the Bareskrim team took action at the location after the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General of Police Nunung Syaifuddin, received information regarding the operation of a permanent gambling establishment in the form of a casino and ordered an investigation.
At the doorstop briefing, Nona said the team, which was directly led by the Deputy Chief of Bareskrim, detained 197 people and secured numerous pieces of evidence. All those detained were subsequently taken to the police station for questioning and further examination to determine their respective roles in connection with the suspected gambling offense.Police carried out the operation on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m. at 9 Stage Lounge & Bar, Ruko Nagoya Indah Blok D2 No. 9, Batu Selicin, Batam City.
A total of 197 people with different roles were detained at the scene. They included an owner identified by the initial A, two managers, five cashiers, one supervisor, 25 people responsible for exchanging gaming chips, 65 dealers or croupiers, two marketing staff members, and 96 players.Of the 96 players detained, police said 86 were Indonesian citizens and 10 were foreign nationals. The 10 foreign nationals consisted of seven Chinese citizens, two Singaporean citizens, and one Malaysian citizen.
Police are continuing to question all those detained. The interviews are aimed at determining the involvement and respective roles of each individual in the suspected gambling activities operated at the location.
In addition to detaining 197 people, officers seized numerous pieces of evidence allegedly connected to the gambling operation. Police secured three safes containing Rp7,297,213,000 in cash.
Officers also seized Rp500 million in cash from a drawer at a chip exchange table. This brings the total amount of cash seized so far to approximately Rp7.79 billion.In addition to the cash, officers seized a large quantity of gaming chips. Investigators are still determining the exchange value of the chips in order to establish the total value of the evidence found at the scene.
Police also seized 105 slot machines. These consisted of 16 so-called cup or bubble machines, 54 scatter machines, 20 mahjong machines, one dice machine, and 14 so-called fish-shooting machines.Investigators secured all the evidence for use in the ongoing investigation and to further establish the suspected gambling activities operated at the location.
Several relevant officials were also involved in the operation. Present at the doorstop briefing were Head of the General Affairs Directorate of the Military Police, Military Police Colonel Jeffri B. Purba; Director of Asset Protection at the Batam Development Authority (BP Batam), Police Brigadier General Teguh Yuswardhie; Police Brigadier General Widi Atmoko; Police Commissioner Bambang Sumitro; Head of the Serious Crime Division at Bareskrim Polri, Police Commissioner Teuku Arsya Khadafi; Director of Criminal Investigation at Polda Kepri, Police Commissioner Ronni Bonic; Head of Public Relations at Polda Kepri, Police Commissioner Dr. Nona Pricillia Ohei; and Chief of Barelang Police, Police Commissioner Anggoro Wicaksono.
In this case, investigators are applying Article 426 paragraph (1) letters a, b and/or c, as well as Article 427 of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP). The provisions carry a maximum sentence of nine years in prison or a Category VI fine for individuals who organize gambling activities.
Investigators are continuing to question those detained, examine each individual's role, document and assess all evidence, and expand the investigation to other individuals who are allegedly involved in the gambling activities.Bareskrim Polri is also examining allegations of money laundering involving individuals suspected of managing, concealing, disguising, receiving, possessing, or using assets derived from the gambling business, despite knowing or having reason to believe that the assets originated from criminal activity.
As part of the investigation, officers are applying Article 607 paragraph (1) letters a, b and/or c of Law No. 1 of 2023. The provision carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison, depending on the nature of the offense committed.Bareskrim Polri reaffirmed its commitment to taking firm action against all forms of gambling. The agency also stressed that it would provide no room for individuals who profit from illegal gambling activities.
Bareskrim Polri also expressed its appreciation to Polda Kepri and Polresta Barelang for their support in carrying out the operation. The support helped ensure that the entire operation was conducted safely, orderly, and smoothly.Polresta Barelang subsequently called on members of the public to work together to maintain security and public order and to refrain from participating in gambling or other criminal activities.
Members of the public who require police assistance, have information about suspected criminal activity, or observe disturbances to public order can contact the police emergency number 110 for assistance and an appropriate response. Police hope that active public participation will help maintain a safe, orderly, and stable security situation within the jurisdiction of Polresta Barelang. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
/home/u7391150/public_html/indatanews.com/theme/function.php on line 28
