Cross-Professional Communities Unite to Eradicate Online Gambling

Jakarta – The movement to reject online gambling is getting stronger in various circles. From campuses to youth organizations, collective awareness to fight against the rampant illegal practices continues to be echoed.

Related to this, hundreds of academics from the Sumatra Institute of Technology (Itera) consisting of students, lecturers, and education staff held an Anti-Online Gambling Declaration. The Chancellor of Itera, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, emphasized that his institution is committed to eradicating all forms of gambling, especially online gambling.

“Itera wants to create a young generation that thinks clearly, works hard, and makes a real contribution to the nation without being lulled by instant promises,” said Prof. Nyoman.

Similarly, the President of the KM-Itera Student Association, Muhammad Rizky Saputra, also reminded of the serious impact of online gambling among students. According to him, this practice not only drains pocket money, but also risks dragging students into the trap of online loans.

“In addition to the financial impact, online gambling can also cause mental disorders. Therefore, we must be able to control ourselves so as not to fall into it,” he said.

A similar movement was also echoed by the Indonesian Mosque Youth Association (PRIMA DMI). The General Chairperson of PRIMA DMI, Munawar Khalil, considered online gambling a national crisis that requires collective action.

“This phenomenon is growing rapidly due to easy internet access, minimal digital literacy, and weak regulations. Therefore, we invite all elements of the nation to unite in the movement to eradicate online gambling,” he said in Jakarta.

To support real steps, PRIMA DMI proposed eight eradication strategies, including the formation of a special Task Force (Satgas) for online gambling, transparent blocking of sites, and strengthening education through collaboration with the police and educational institutions.

The Director of Digital Literacy for Mosque Youth PRIMA DMI, Indra Syahfirman, added that his party would initiate a national petition to pressure the government to take firmer action against online gambling sites.

“We are not only calling for eradication, but also offering concrete solutions to help people not fall into the trap of online gambling,” he said.

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