Appreciating the Government’s Firm Steps in Cracking Down on Online Gambling Sites

By: Drana Setiawan )*

The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating online gambling which is increasingly disturbing the public. The legal steps taken involve cooperation between the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), law enforcement officers, and other related institutions. This effort is made to ensure that the eradication is effective and touches the root of the problem.

Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid made eradicating online gambling one of the main priorities in the first hundred days of her term. With extensive experience in the political and digital world, she implemented a strategic approach that prioritizes preventive measures and firm law enforcement.

One of the concrete steps taken is the use of sophisticated technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to automatically detect and block online gambling sites. Komdigi also works with law enforcement officers to take firm action against the perpetrators involved in this illegal business.

Concrete steps have been taken, including an operation that successfully arrested online gambling perpetrators who operated the RGOCasino site. The perpetrators offered various online gambling games and were successfully secured along with evidence such as electronic devices and money in various currencies.

The National Police also uncovered another case in North Jakarta by arresting four perpetrators involved in the operation and promotion of online gambling sites. They are now being charged with articles in the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE) and the Criminal Code (KUHP) related to gambling.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Budi Gunawan emphasized the importance of serious handling of online gambling. This problem is considered to have disturbed society down to the household level. Therefore, Budi emphasized the importance of coordination between ministries and related institutions under the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs to ensure that eradication measures can run optimally. With closer coordination, he hopes that the authorities can move more sharply in dealing with this digital crime.

The Directorate of Cyber ​​Crime (Dittipidsiber) of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit also showed an active role in cracking down on online gambling syndicates. Director of the Cyber ​​Crime Directorate of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, said that his party had named a suspect with the initials KK as a fugitive because he was suspected of being the owner and controller of the Agen138 gambling site.

In addition, four other suspects have been arrested in the same case with evidence of electronic devices, vehicles, and cash totaling more than five billion rupiah. The suspects were charged with various articles related to the crime of transferring funds and money laundering, with the threat of severe penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

In this case, the National Police also highlighted the flow of funds from online gambling used for the construction of the Aruss Hotel in Semarang, which has been confiscated as part of the crime of money laundering. This effort shows that the government is not only focused on arresting the perpetrators, but also on cutting off the flow of illegal funds that can harm the country’s economy.

In addition to strict law enforcement measures, the government also places education for the public as an integral part of the strategy to eradicate online gambling. This campaign aims to increase public awareness of the dangers of online gambling, both financially and psychologically. This education is not only aimed at gamblers, but also the wider community to be more careful in interacting in the digital world.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has launched an educational campaign involving social media and popular digital platforms to convey an anti-online gambling message. The campaign material is related to the negative impacts of online gambling and a guide to reporting illegal activities to the authorities. With an approach that targets various demographic groups, the government hopes to create wider awareness among the public.

In order to face the challenges of increasingly sophisticated technology, the government continues to innovate with proactive policies. Komdigi ensures that it will not only respond to threats after they occur, but also take more measurable preventive measures. The government plans to strengthen cooperation with digital platforms and the private sector to create a more effective and safe monitoring system for internet users.