Appreciation of Government’s Success in Reducing Online Gambling Transactions
*) By: Andi Mahesa
The government has shown its commitment to eradicating online gambling practices. One of the efforts that has shown significant results is the decline in the volume of online gambling transactions, which based on the latest findings from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has decreased drastically.
Starting from IDR 21 trillion, online gambling transactions have been reduced to only IDR 4.1 trillion in nine months. This success shows the government’s seriousness in overcoming problems that are not only detrimental to the economic aspect, but also to the social and moral aspects of society.
Director General of Digital Space Supervision of the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi), Alexander Sabar said that Kemkomdigi has taken firm steps to combat online gambling. As of January 21, 2025, more than 5.7 million online gambling content has been blocked.
These steps include blocking gambling sites, applications involved in illegal activities, and preventive steps through digital space supervision. This success is proof that government policies are not merely ceremonial, but also effective in responding to the increasingly growing phenomenon in cyberspace.
The decline in online gambling transactions is also inseparable from intensive efforts in law enforcement and providing education to the public. Legal expert, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sulistyowati, S.H., M.H., stated that to overcome the problem of online gambling, there are four main steps that need to be taken.
First, public education about the dangers of online gambling and its negative impacts on individuals and families. Second, stricter law enforcement against online gambling providers and perpetrators. Third, rehabilitation for individuals who have been trapped in gambling addiction, and fourth, providing alternative productive activities that can replace gambling habits.
The rehabilitation in question is providing assistance for those who are already addicted. In addition, providing a positive alternative is encouraging community involvement in productive and healthy activities.
Public education is indeed one of the keys to success in overcoming this problem. The public needs to be given an understanding of how online gambling can destroy their lives, both in terms of economy, social, and even psychology. According to Prof. Sulistyowati, the role of educational institutions is very important in building public awareness about the dangers of online gambling. Therefore, collaboration between the government and educational institutions is a factor that cannot be ignored.
Meanwhile, from the law enforcement side, the government is also increasingly assertive in cracking down on online gambling practices. Cyber police and related institutions continue to coordinate to uncover hidden online gambling networks. One important step that has been taken is increasing the capacity for supervision in cyberspace, including collaborating with international digital platforms to block access to sites that spread online gambling.
Meanwhile, from the law enforcement side, the government is also increasingly assertive in cracking down on online gambling practices. Security forces and related institutions continue to coordinate to uncover hidden online gambling networks. One important step that has been taken is increasing the capacity for supervision in cyberspace, including collaborating with international digital platforms to block access to sites that spread online gambling.
From a social perspective, the government’s success is also highly appreciated by many parties. The Chancellor of UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, Prof. Dr. H. Kasful Anwar, M.Pd., for example, said that his party strongly supports the government’s efforts to eradicate online gambling. According to him, the presence of the state in providing protection to the community is very important, especially for the younger generation who are vulnerable to being influenced by various temptations in cyberspace.
In addition, the government also continues to encourage the public to be more active in reporting content related to online gambling. This is part of the government’s efforts to create a safer and healthier digital ecosystem.
Public participation is very necessary, because with the increasing number of reports received, the blocking and enforcement process can be carried out more quickly. Therefore, it is important for all of us to be aware and not get involved in dangerous online gambling practices.
