JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Indonesian military police have detained an Army lieutenant colonel after authorities uncovered a suspected online gambling operation inside an official residence. This was at the Cijantung Army Housing Complex in East Jakarta.

Lt. Col. Arman, head of intelligence at the Jakarta Permanent Garrison, was being held by the Jakarta Military Police Command for questioning as of Friday, October 9. Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesperson Maj. Gen. Muhammad Nas said this.

“The official residence was occupied by the officer, and he has been detained for questioning by the Jakarta Military Police Command,” Nas said.

Investigators are examining Arman’s alleged role in renting the state-owned property to civilians. They are also determining whether he knew how the tenants used it. Authorities had not publicly announced his formal legal status by Friday.

The case came to light after residents reported suspicious activity at the property. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak said people living near the house entered the premises on Sunday, October 4. Military police searched it later that day.

Authorities found computers installed across several rooms and suspected that the equipment supported an online gambling system. Military police took eleven civilians—six men and five women—to a detachment for questioning.

Investigators confiscated 32 computers, 14 mobile phones and nine identity cards. The Army also cut electricity to the property and secured the premises while officers examined the electronic evidence.

A video circulating on social media had previously shown several people inside a room filled with computers. The person recording the footage alleged that the property was being used for online gambling. Investigators have not disclosed whether that video forms part of the case evidence.

Maruli said the alleged misuse of military housing damaged the institution and pledged that the Army would not protect any personnel involved.

“There is no way we would protect someone involved in something like this. This is extremely embarrassing for us,” Maruli said.

“He is now with the military police, and we are continuing the investigation. We need time to establish the details of his role.”

The Army said initial findings indicated that Arman may have known about the property’s use, but investigators have yet to publish evidence establishing the extent of his involvement. The presumption of innocence applies until a court reaches a final judgment.

UGM sociologist Andreas Budi Widyanta said the discovery could weaken public trust because military housing represents an institution associated with tight control and discipline.

“It turns out that online gambling could penetrate it,” Andreas said, calling the incident “deeply embarrassing.” He urged authorities to apply the law impartially.

The case emerged as Indonesia continued its nationwide campaign against online gambling. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) recorded Rp86.82 trillion in online gambling turnover during the first half of 2026. It identified Rp22.05 trillion in deposits across 226.76 million transactions during the same period.

The Cijantung investigation will test the Army’s pledge to enforce accountability within its ranks. A transparent inquiry must establish who operated the system, who benefited from it and how civilians were able to run the suspected operation from state-owned military housing.