Society at the Forefront of Eradicating Online Gambling
By: Aditya Akbar)*
The rapid development of digitalization has had negative impacts, including the proliferation of online gambling practices. This phenomenon is increasingly worrying because it can reach all levels of society, including children. Therefore, a strong commitment is needed from all elements of society who are expected to be at the forefront of eradicating Online Gambling.
Online Gambling is a source of disaster for society. Regarding this, the Chief of Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, emphasized that various online gambling modes continue to emerge, exploiting technological gaps to attract user interest. Therefore, he invited all elements of society to actively socialize the dangers of this practice in order to protect the younger generation from the threat of addiction and financial loss.
The impact of online gambling is not only felt by individuals, but also the national economy. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) noted that in 2024, IDR 28 trillion in online gambling proceeds had been taken abroad, most of which was converted into crypto assets.
The large number shows that online gambling is not just a minor problem, but a serious threat to the country’s economic stability. Therefore, preventive measures and strict action need to be continuously strengthened to break the chain of this illegal practice.
Various modes of online gambling continue to evolve, from application-based games to the use of social media to attract users. Many gambling platforms now disguise themselves in the form of games with prizes or fake investments. This causes many people to be deceived and suffer huge losses. Worse still, children and adolescents are the main targets because of increasingly easy internet access and minimal parental supervision.
The negative impacts of online gambling are not only financially detrimental, but also have serious social and psychological consequences. There are many cases where individuals addicted to online gambling experience mental pressure, stress, and even depression due to continuous losses.
Online gambling also contributes to increasing crime rates, such as theft and fraud, due to economic pressures. Many families are destroyed because the head of the family is in debt to gambling, which has an impact on the welfare of their children and partners.
Moreover, online gambling also weakens the productivity of society. Many workers lose focus due to addiction, spending their time gambling instead of working.
This certainly has an impact on declining work performance and ultimately leads to termination of employment. In the long term, this can increase unemployment rates and worsen the economic conditions of a region.
In efforts to eradicate online gambling, community participation is very important. Not only the government and law enforcement officers must act, but also elements of the wider community. One step that can be taken is to increase collective awareness of the dangers of online gambling.
Socialization can be done through various media, ranging from seminars, discussion forums, to campaigns on social media. Education for children and adolescents must also be more intensive so that they understand the risks that can arise from involvement in online gambling.
Parents as the front line have a great responsibility in supervising their children. Supervision of gadget use and internet access must be tightened so that children do not easily fall into online gambling.
In addition, building good communication with children can help them be open in conveying the problems they face, including if they start to be exposed to online gambling.
Meanwhile, communities and community organizations also have a role in eradicating online gambling. The Indonesian Gold Forum, for example, is active in combating online gambling by opening a complaint channel for people who find online gambling content. With a forum like this, the community has the means to contribute directly to eradicating this illegal practice.
Therefore, if there are people who find various online gambling content, they can contact WhatsApp with the number 085283555830, Email forumindonesiaemas@gmail.com, and Instagram with the account @fie_indonesiaemas, and Telegram t.me/ForumIndonesiaEmas.
Active participation of the community in reporting online gambling activities is also one of the keys to successful eradication. With reports from the community, the authorities can take action more quickly. Therefore, every individual is expected not only to be a spectator in this problem, but to actively participate in eradication efforts.
