Appreciating the Plan to Issue Government Regulations to Eradicate Online Gambling

By: Nandia Bela Safitri

The Indonesian government has taken firm steps to eradicate online gambling which is increasingly rampant with the plan to issue a special Government Regulation (PP). This step is a response to the rapid growth of this illegal activity, where the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has blocked more than 1 million sites related to online gambling to date.

The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that the issuance of this PP is one of the government’s main strategies to regulate and take firm action against online gambling practices. In a limited meeting with the Red and White Cabinet on February 17, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto gave direct instructions to immediately draft comprehensive regulations to address this problem.

In addition to issuing the PP, Komdigi has also implemented the Content Moderation Compliance System (SAMAN) since February 2025. This system is designed to ensure that digital platforms comply with regulations set by the Indonesian government, especially in handling content related to online gambling and child pornography. Meutya Hafid emphasized that digital platforms are required to immediately remove such content without compromise.

Cross-agency cooperation is also a major focus in efforts to eradicate online gambling. Komdigi collaborates with the Police, the Attorney General’s Office, and other relevant agencies to ensure deeper handling of online gambling cases. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that this is a direct order and not just discourse, demonstrating the government’s serious commitment to eradicating this illegal activity.

Child protection in the digital space is also a major concern for the government. Meutya Hafid revealed that regulations on child protection in the digital realm are currently being finalized and will soon be announced by the President. This step is in line with the government’s efforts to protect the younger generation from dangerous content such as online gambling, pornography, bullying, and sexual violence in cyberspace.

Support for this government initiative has also come from various parties. Deputy Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, expressed his support for the plan to issue new regulations in enforcing and eradicating online gambling. In a seminar titled “Raise #SadarDigital: Fight Online Gambling and Illegal Online Loans, Save the Future of Our Generation!” held at the Parliament Complex on February 18, 2025, Ibas—Edhie Baskoro’s nickname—emphasized the importance of a major commitment from the government in taking firm action against online gambling practices.

Ibas also highlighted the need for real action and synergy between related institutions in combating online gambling. He proposed stricter law enforcement, intensive supervision, increased digital literacy, and collaboration between the DPR, the government, law enforcement officers, and the community. In addition, financial education and literacy for the community are considered crucial to prevent involvement in illegal online gambling and lending practices.

As an alternative solution, Ibas invited the public to take advantage of the economic facilities provided by the government, such as the People’s Business Credit (KUR), in order to build their own businesses without having to get caught up in illegal loans. He emphasized the importance of wise financial management to avoid financial traps that are detrimental in the future.

Efforts to eradicate online gambling are not new to the national agenda. Since the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the leadership of President Joko Widodo and now President Prabowo Subianto, eradicating gambling has been a priority. However, with the development of technology and increasingly widespread internet access, the challenges faced are increasingly complex. Therefore, a more comprehensive and adaptive approach is needed to the current digital dynamics. In addition to regulation and law enforcement, the role of the community in creating a safe and productive digital space is vital. The #SadarDigital movement initiated by various parties is expected to be a momentum for the community to be more concerned and proactive in maintaining a healthy digital ecosystem. Collaboration between the government, educational institutions, community organizations, and the private sector is the key to success in this effort.