Paid Instagram Gambling Posts Put Surabaya Influencer at Risk

Indonesian prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison term for a Surabaya influencer over paid Instagram promotions for an illegal gambling site. The case shows how a low-value social media deal can create serious criminal exposure.

On July 21, Rachmawati Puspita Ningrum appeared at a Surabaya District Court hearing where prosecutors presented their sentencing demand. According to prosecutors, she promoted Martabak188 through a manis188.online link posted in an Instagram Story.

Prosecutors Focus on Access Provided to Players

The prosecution argues that the posts did more than display an advertisement. The posts provided a direct link to gambling services that were not licensed to operate in Indonesia. Prosecutors relied on Article 426(1)(b) of Indonesia’s Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code. Article 427 was listed as an alternative charge.

Prosecutors requested two years in prison. They further asked for the court’s decision to be displayed on a local government notice board at Rachmawati’s expense. The required payment is IDR 100,000. If unpaid, it would be replaced by one month of detention.

Rachmawati asked the judges for a lighter sentence. Reports said Rachmawati is a single parent with a 2.5-year-old child.

Three Payments Built the Financial Trail

The alleged arrangement began in October 2025, when a person identified as Justin contacted Rachmawati through WhatsApp and offered to pay her for promoting Martabak188. The Instagram promotion used the manis188.online link, which prosecutors connected to Martabak188 and the Dragspin slot platform.

According to prosecutors, Rachmawati received three payments through a DANA digital wallet registered in her name: IDR 350,000, IDR 650,000, and IDR 1 million. The three payments totaled IDR 2 million. She allegedly posted the final promotional Instagram Story on December 3, 2025, from her boarding house on Jalan Jeruk Gang VI in Lakarsantri, Surabaya.

Alleged Recruiter Remains Wanted

Justin has not been arrested and remains on the police wanted list. A final ruling has not yet been reported.

The case indicates that Indonesian enforcement is moving further into the promotion chain. Influencers may receive modest fees, but prosecutors can still treat their posts and links as tools that enable illegal gambling. For creators, the legal risk can far exceed the value of the advertising deal.