Indonesian police reactivate anti-football mafia task force for World Cup

Indonesian National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo announced the reactivation of the Anti-Football Mafia Task Force, a move aimed at curbing illegal betting activities surrounding the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Prabowo stated that the task force will be revived to ensure that the excitement of the World Cup is not exploited by certain groups for illicit purposes.

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So, of course, we will reactivate this task force, so that later, related to the World Cup entertainment, it is not used by certain groups to commit violations.

"So, of course, we will reactivate this task force, so that later, related to the World Cup entertainment, it is not used by certain groups to commit violations," Prabowo told reporters at the National Police Headquarters on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He urged the public to refrain from engaging in football betting, emphasizing that the World Cup is an event that promotes sportsmanship. "Don't let it be tarnished by things that actually damage the spirit of sportsmanship, such as the organization of gambling which is clearly against the rules, and that must be avoided," he added.

The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 12 to July 20, 2026, will be the first to feature 48 teams. In conjunction with the tournament, the Indonesian National Police plan to organize public viewing events across the country. These events will be held at various police headquarters, from the national level down to the sector police, and will be free of charge.

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Don't let it be tarnished by things that actually damage the spirit of sportsmanship, such as the organization of gambling which is clearly against the rules, and that must be avoided.

Prabowo explained that these public viewing events are intended to provide entertainment for the community. Additionally, the police hope these gatherings will stimulate local economies by involving micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM). "And of course, this is also part of the activities that we can use to insert things that are educational regarding public order and security," Prabowo concluded.

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And of course, this is also part of the activities that we can use to insert things that are educational regarding public order and security.