"There will be no assistance for those falling victim to online gambling. They will not receive aid for their involvement in online gambling. However, we are determined to keep people from being victims of online gambling," he remarked in Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province.
Yusuf highlighted that no one will gain profits from online gambling but the kingpins or bookies.
On that note, he called on all community and religious figures to take part in the government's war against online gambling by disseminating related information and exercising supervision in their neighborhoods to prevent people from gambling.
In the company of his deputy, Agus Jabo Priyono, the minister made his remarks during his official visit to Bengkulu to ensure the accurate distribution of several types of social aid worth Rp2.22 billion (US$140.3 thousand).
Related news: Online gambling is social disaster: Minister
The assistance, handed over to the Bengkulu provincial and municipal governments, includes wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking sticks, and staple goods.
Regarding cash aid, Yusuf expressed hope that the recipients would spend the funds on their necessities.
"We hope that cash assistance, such as the quarterly aid worth Rp750 thousand (US$47.4) under the Family Hope Program (PKH), is used according to its terms. Such assistance should not be used for other purposes, especially online gambling," he stressed.
For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Ministry of Social Affairs aims to distribute social aid with a total value of Rp18 trillion (around US$1.1 billion).
Related news: Why online gambling is a socioeconomic emergency
Translator: Anggi Mayasari, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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