Government Ready to Eradicate Online Gambling Through New Regulations
By: Agung Jazuli
The government has shown a serious commitment to eradicating online gambling, which is increasingly disturbing the public. In a limited meeting with the Red and White Cabinet, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that stricter regulations must be prepared immediately so that this eradication step is more effective.
The Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid explained that the government is preparing regulations in the form of Government Regulations (PP) to regulate the eradication of online gambling more firmly and comprehensively. The efforts to block almost one million online gambling sites that have been carried out so far are considered insufficient, so a more aggressive strategy is needed, including increasing compliance with digital platforms.
Menkomdigi emphasized that digital platforms must be more proactive in removing content related to online gambling and child exploitation. The government has implemented a monitoring system that requires digital platforms to act quickly in removing prohibited content, so that there is no room for this illegal practice to develop further. In addition, eradicating online gambling requires close collaboration between various institutions, such as the Police and the Attorney General’s Office, to ensure more coordinated action.
Head of the Presidential Office Hasan Nasbi added that the government will not only close online gambling sites, but will also track the flow of funds used in these illegal activities, including the payment systems that support their operations. This step aims to break the chain of money circulation in the online gambling business which often involves international networks. Therefore, cooperation with various countries is also a major focus in eradication efforts.
In addition to tightening regulations in the digital sector, the government will also improve the prepaid SIM card registration mechanism and passport issuance to prevent identity misuse which is often exploited by online gamblers. Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sumail Abdullah, assessed that the ease of obtaining a SIM card without strict verification is one of the loopholes exploited by online gambling networks. Therefore, with stricter regulations, the perpetrators’ access to illegal platforms can be significantly limited.
Online gambling is not just a game, but a serious threat to the social and economic life of society. Many families are financially affected by online gambling addiction, while children and adolescents are increasingly vulnerable to the temptation of games that promise instant profits. Without strict regulations, this problem will continue to grow and damage Indonesia’s young generation.
In addition to economic losses at the individual level, online gambling also has an impact on national economic stability. The huge flow of funds in this illegal industry has the potential to hinder the country’s economic growth. Funds that should be used for productive activities are instead sucked into gambling practices that do not provide benefits to the national economy.
The negative impacts of online gambling are not only limited to the economic aspect, but also include broad social consequences. Many individuals who are addicted to online gambling experience mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety due to financial pressure. Not infrequently, this problem leads to criminal acts, such as theft and fraud, in order to cover losses from gambling. Cases of domestic violence have also increased as a result of online gambling addiction, where perpetrators often experience frustration and loss of emotional control.
Moreover, the rise of online gambling also increases the risk of cybercrime, such as fraud, money laundering, and child exploitation. With transactions often carried out anonymously, it is difficult to track and stop these activities without strong regulations and strict supervision from various related parties. In addition, many online gambling operators operate abroad, making it difficult for law enforcement to take action against them directly.
The government also needs to prioritize an educational approach in eradicating online gambling. Many people do not fully understand the dangers of this practice, so a massive public campaign is needed to raise awareness. Socialization in schools, campuses, and local communities must be part of the national strategy to prevent the spread of online gambling.
Full public support is an important element in the fight against online gambling. The government cannot work alone without collective awareness from the community. Therefore, education about the dangers of online gambling needs to be increased, either through public campaigns, socialization in schools, or community-based approaches so that more people understand the negative impacts of this practice.
