Key Moments:
- Prosecutors have requested a 30-month prison sentence and a Rp 30 million (approximately US$1,800) fine for Vienna Varella Angeli Parinussa.
- The influencer’s court case revolves around posts made between February and April promoting gambling sites, for which she received around IDR 4 million (about US$240).
- The court’s pending verdict highlights the broader challenge of enforcing Indonesia’s strict gambling laws amid the rise of social media influence.
The Case Against a Social Media Influencer
In Denpasar, Bali, a legal case has emerged from the connection between digital youth culture and Indonesia’s longstanding prohibition on gambling. The proceedings center on 19-year-old Vienna Varella Angeli Parinussa, known for her presence on Instagram and TikTok, with a modest follower count that nonetheless attracted the attention of gambling site intermediaries.
This week, prosecutors called for Parinussa to serve 30 months in prison and pay a Rp 30 million fine, in response to her promotion of online gambling platforms via her social media channels.
The Path From Side Income to Criminal Charges
With just over 57,000 Instagram followers, Parinussa’s reach was sufficient for gambling representatives to make contact. According to court documents, she shared promotional links from February to April, receiving individual payments between IDR 100,000 and IDR 300,000 (US$6–18) per post, totaling approximately IDR 4 million (roughly US$240).
Her attorney argued in court that this activity did not align with professional-level promotion, framing the defendant as a teenager managing basic living costs, unfamiliar with the larger consequences. Mochammad Lukman Hakim, representing Parinussa, stated, “She was approached by contacts known as ‘Cindy’ and ‘Justin’ on WhatsApp,” her defence counsel, Mochammad Lukman Hakim, told the court. “She followed instructions and posted what they asked. The money was never about building wealth.”
Legal and Regulatory Tensions
Indonesia enforces strict regulations prohibiting all forms of gambling, and officials view online betting as a significant social issue. Prosecutors maintained that Parinussa’s involvement extended beyond negligent posting, positioning her actions within a larger system that encourages illegal gambling among younger generations. Ni Putu Eriek Sumyanti, a prosecutor, told the court that her posts “weakened the government’s efforts to combat online betting,” adding that the government has made fighting gambling a national priority.
These proceedings echo similar enforcement efforts seen in other jurisdictions, where authorities have targeted social media figures for promoting unauthorized gambling platforms.
The Individual and Societal Impact
Notably, Parinussa has no prior criminal record, admitted guilt, and cooperated with authorities. In court, she acknowledged her actions and committed not to repeat them. Despite her private Instagram status, prosecutors pointed out that her tens of thousands of followers were still exposed to the prohibited gambling content. Her defense emphasized the vulnerability of young people to quick earnings, particularly when oversight is lacking, and the perceived risks seem minimal.
A Case Reflecting Wider Challenges
While the sums involved are modest compared to larger gambling cases, Parinussa’s situation underscores the difficult balance between digital-age opportunities and compliance with offline regulations. She represents a generation where online income streams are common, but her case demonstrates how illegal operators exploit these trends to circumvent restrictions.
Indonesia’s approach to this case may set a precedent, testing the extent to which authorities will pursue legal consequences against individuals acting as conduits for unlawful activities. The court’s pending judgment faces a complex debate: is it appropriate to impose severe penalties on a teenager for paid posts, or is this an attempt to deter others through example?
Unresolved Questions as the Verdict Awaits
The outcome remains uncertain as the court considers the prosecution’s call for a significant sentence alongside the defense’s request for leniency. The matter has already prompted discussion on how to manage influencers’ roles in promoting illegal products, the responsibilities of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and the broader issue of youth seeking supplemental income through digital means.
As Indonesia continues its efforts against online gambling, the case of a single teenager highlights the complexities and symbolic weight such incidents can hold for society and regulators alike.
| Defendant | Alleged Offense | Requested Sentence | Total Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna Varella Angeli Parinussa | Promoting online gambling links | 30 months in prison; Rp 30 million (US$1,800) fine | IDR 4 million (US$240) |
- Author
Daniel Williams
