Total War Against Online Gambling, Government Ready to Issue Stricter Regulations
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has shown a strong commitment to eradicating online gambling which is increasingly disturbing the public. In a Limited Meeting with the Red and White Cabinet some time ago, Prabowo instructed that stricter regulations be issued immediately.
“The President emphasized that handling online gambling must be stricter. One of the strategic steps that will be taken immediately is the issuance of regulations in the form of Government Regulations (PP) that regulate more firmly and comprehensively,” said Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid,
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has blocked almost one million online gambling sites, but this step is still considered insufficient. Meutya Hafid emphasized that the war against online gambling cannot only rely on blocking alone, but also more aggressive strategies.
“We have implemented the SAMAN (Content Moderation Compliance System) system, which requires digital platforms to move quickly. If content related to online gambling or child pornography is found, they must immediately take it down without compromise,” said Meutya.
Meutya also emphasized that eradicating online gambling requires synergy from various parties.
“This is not only the task of the Ministry of Communication and Digital. The President emphasized that the Police, the Attorney General’s Office, and all related elements must be actively involved. This is a direct order, not just discourse,” he added.
In the same vein, the Head of the Presidential Office Hasan Nasbi said that President Prabowo not only wants to take action against online gambling sites, but also trace the flow of funds.
“Earlier, you asked for that, so the war against online gambling is strengthened again. Not only taking down sites or applications. But now the payment gateway is also being traced, the flow of money, that is being traced,” said Hasan
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of international cooperation.
“This is a serious war from the government against online gambling. Including cooperation with various countries to overcome this,” he said.
In addition, the government will also tighten regulations related to prepaid SIM cards and passport making which are often used by online gamblers.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sumail Abdullah, highlighted the ease of obtaining prepaid SIM cards without strict verification as a loophole for online gambling perpetrators.
“Many other people’s identities are misused for online gambling. If the SIM card registration system is tightened, then the freedom of movement of online gambling perpetrators can be limited,” he explained.
With these concrete steps, the government ensures that the eradication of online gambling is not just a promise, but a real action to protect the public from the negative impacts of this illegal practice.
*
