Indonesia's Supreme Court overturns acquittal in online gambling money laundering case

Indonesia's Supreme Court has overturned the acquittal of Firman Hertanto, also known as Aseng, in a money laundering case stemming from alleged online gambling proceeds. The Supreme Court granted the public prosecutor's appeal, reversing the Jakarta Utara District Court's decision that had previously freed Hertanto from all charges.

The cassation ruling, registered under number 5747 K/PID.SUS/2026, was issued on May 21, 2026. The panel of judges sentenced Hertanto to two years in prison and imposed a fine of Rp 1 billion, with an alternative sentence of four months imprisonment. This decision contrasts sharply with the District Court's verdict on December 17, 2025, which found Hertanto not guilty, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove his involvement in money laundering activities.

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Public prosecutor's cassation granted.

The case gained prominence after police seized Hotel Aruss in Semarang, Central Java, on January 6, 2025. Firman Hertanto, identified as the owner of the hotel, was subsequently named a suspect in the money laundering case on January 16, 2025. Prosecutors alleged that Hertanto used funds derived from online gambling to finance the construction of Hotel Aruss. According to the indictment, he is suspected of receiving approximately Rp 402.8 billion from online gambling accounts associated with domains like AGEN138, DAFABET, and Judi Bola between 2020 and 2022.

Tempo contacted the Supreme Court spokesperson, Yanto, who declined to confirm or deny the cassation ruling, stating he needed to consult with the previous judges involved. The initial acquittal by the Jakarta Utara District Court had also ordered the restoration of Hertanto's rights and dignity.

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Proven third charge, imprisonment for two years, a fine of Rp 1 billion, subsidiary 4 months imprisonment.