Appreciating the Firmness of Security Forces in Combating Online Gambling
By: Stefanus Putra Imanuel )*
The firm steps of the authorities in the fight against online gambling are the main focus in efforts to suppress the increasing number of digital crimes. With various modes that continue to develop, online gambling has now targeted various groups, including children and teenagers.
Law enforcement officers together with the government and the community must collaborate actively to eradicate this practice from its roots. Not only through law enforcement, but also with comprehensive socialization and education, so that collective awareness of the dangers of online gambling increases.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo highlighted how online gambling has targeted various levels of society, including children. With various new patterns and modes that continue to emerge, this phenomenon is increasingly difficult to control. Therefore, General Sigit emphasized the importance of preventive measures so that the community does not fall into this detrimental practice.
He emphasized that every individual has a responsibility to educate the surrounding environment about the dangers that lurk, especially for the younger generation who are still vulnerable to the negative influences of the digital world.
The losses caused by online gambling cannot be underestimated. According to data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), online gambling transactions have caused capital outflow or the flow of funds abroad to reach hundreds of trillions of rupiah.
Large amounts of funds that should have been used to build the domestic economy actually flow abroad, which ultimately weakens the national economy. This is a major challenge that must be overcome immediately through a comprehensive approach, from supervision to education to the community.
The role of parents in supervising children’s gadget use is very important. Children who are exposed to online gambling tend to become addicted, which has an impact on various aspects of their lives, including education and mental health. General Sigit emphasized that online gambling is private, so it is difficult to supervise directly.
Therefore, routine supervision of children’s gadget use must be carried out so that they do not fall further. Parents also need to provide an understanding to children about the consequences of online gambling addiction, from losing money to the possibility of getting into debt and more serious psychological problems.
In line with this, the Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid emphasized the role of educational institutions in protecting students from the threat of online gambling. The government is committed to ensuring equitable digital infrastructure development, empowerment of MSMEs, and maximum technology education.
Guidance by parents and teachers is a key factor in maintaining the balance of technology use so that it is not excessive and leads children into negative content, including online gambling. Teachers not only act as academic teachers, but also as mentors who can direct students to use technology positively.
Digital literacy is considered the main bulwark in warding off the negative influence of cyberspace. Therefore, the government continues to strive to distribute educational materials that can increase student awareness of the negative impacts of online gambling and illegal online loans.
Teachers and parents are expected not only to act as supervisors, but also to be sources of information that provide children with a deeper understanding of the risks that can arise from involvement in these activities. Schools can also hold seminars and workshops on the dangers of online gambling, by inviting digital security experts to provide deeper insights to students and parents.
The Jakarta Education Office has also taken concrete steps to prevent online gambling among students. Socialization regarding the dangers of online gambling has been intensified in various schools, with principals being given an understanding of the signs of students who are indicated to be involved in this activity. The Education Office also collaborates with various parties, including community organizations and social institutions, to expand the reach of education regarding online gambling and its impacts. Deputy Head of the Jakarta Education Office, Puswosusilo, said that changes in student behavior can be an indication of involvement in online gambling. Students who start to isolate themselves and have difficulty socializing may be experiencing the psychological impact of the habit of playing online gambling.
