Playing poker in Indonesia is like a game of Russian roulette. Being captured in police raids of underground gambling dens can lead to lashings. Not to mention, a possible 10 years in prison. But what’s the story of internet poker in Indonesia?
The strict gaming laws of Indonesia are a few of the harshest in the world. Gaming in all its forms is not legal.
Regardless of the laws that may lead to caning or imprisonment, poker is very large in Indonesia. And also the country boasts some of the greatest poker players on the planet. Together with the most famous one, Johnson “John” Juanda.
Police busts of illegal poker rooms in Indonesia happen all the time. So gamers are turning online to gamble because online is still somewhat safer. How do locals and people stay safe when gambling in Indonesia?
The gaming crackdown of Indonesia
Betting isn’t “illegal” here, but it is punishable.
Since the 1970s, gaming in all its forms was illegal. But as a Muslim nation, it still has a flourishing underground gaming scene. But people do so at their own risk.
Poker is common in Indonesia and gamers put dens in people’s homes, possessions or casinos up. Police raids occur serving hard punishments to disobedience.
Those found guilty of gaming in Indonesia receive caning as the least punishment. The gravest sentence is ten years.
More and more Indonesians afraid of caning are turning to gamble that appeal. But it is still a bet, though. This is not a foolproof mode of enjoying.
Players are subject to exactly the very same laws as the ones who play actual casinos. Though the casino can be at a location where no authority is under the government.
The threat with the gaming laws of Indonesia is that it extends. There are people altering the Indonesian gambling laws for overseas nationals and non-Muslims.
Motion for change
There were people captured before who are lobbying to the Indonesian government. Even gaming over $ 5 value from the local money as they detained Halim Datkui for four months and 10 days for it.
Halim Datkui and Sayud have registered a petition to review the 1974 gambling law. Stating that the prohibition should only base on religion.
Lawyer Farhat Abbas stated: “My customer, Halim Datkui, is a Chinese non-Muslim. He thinks that he is not under the said law. He’s not prohibited by his faith to bet, so why should he commit to it.”
Being captured after playing a poker game betting Rp 50,000 ($5.50), he was a detainee for four weeks. Leading to a skin disease that he picked up in prison.
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Farhat said that because The Bible doesn’t prohibit gambling. The authorities must revise or annul the law enforcing it.
But, Father Dani Sanusi of the Bishops Conference commented on the argument. He says that all religions are against gambling.
“We know in Christianity that you can’t take your neighbor’s cash. We’ll honor any decision by the constitutional court. But it is our obligation to interest our spiritual communities,” he explained.
The situation in Indonesia is unpleasant and complicated. Gamblers will always figure out how to avoid arrest.
Additionally, tourists also become part of this gambling scene’s situation. Gangs applying debts that are massive to pay for travelers. Threatening dangers with violence.
Playing safe
Regardless of the harsh legislation, poker is booming in Indonesia. People today gamble in private homes or in subterranean casinos. But sites providing access to online casinos in Indonesia are gaining popularity. For obvious reasons.
Because the punishment for gambling is the same, playing poker at home is not secure and risky. Tourists use security measures and foreigners take caution whenever they play poker online.
One way is to use a proxy server when accessing the sites. Because of heightened crackdown, gambling websites take players’ IP out of Indonesia.
An alternative that’s popular with players is utilizing an online café. It enables players like these will not be traceable back into your own pc that is in danger by police raids.
There are poker websites that permit performing whole tilt poker. As they’re not under the government’s authority, online gambling sites are safe.
Turning to internet poker rooms or casinos while in Indonesia provides extra security. Especially those working on Bali and seem to reel in overseas players with fixed games.
It is worth to maintain your guard in Indonesia. Should you gamble on the internet, use a proxy. And decide to play on a trusted internet casino such as http://185.229.115.132/poker88/. Regardless of your moderate actions, do what you can to be safe in the gaming arena of Indonesia.