Young Generation Synergizes with Law Enforcement to Realize Indonesia Free from Online Gambling
By: Wiliam Rizki
The massive development of digital technology has brought about major changes in various aspects of life, including entertainment patterns and social interactions in society. Behind the benefits provided, digital transformation also poses serious challenges, one of which is the rampant practice of online gambling that is increasingly targeting the younger generation. Online gambling is no longer just a marginal phenomenon, but has become a latent threat that erodes morals, damages the future, and ensnares the psychology and economy of young Indonesians. Therefore, there needs to be cross-sector synergy, especially between the younger generation and law enforcement officers, in order to create a healthy and clean social and digital ecosystem free from online gambling practices.
Campuses as centers for the formation of character and intellectualism of the younger generation, are at the forefront of fighting social crimes such as Online Gambling. Concrete steps have been taken by the State Islamic University (UIN) Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi which firmly voiced its moral and academic commitment to reject all forms of gambling practices. Under the leadership of Rector Prof. Kaspul Anwar, UIN Jambi initiated an anti-Online Gambling declaration involving the entire academic community. The five commitments declared at the event were not only a form of rejection, but also an affirmation of the campus’ identity as an agent of social change.
More than just a statement, UIN Jambi invites students to stay away from all forms of involvement in gambling activities, either directly or indirectly. This includes rejecting promotions, using campus facilities for such practices, and rejecting a permissive attitude towards the gambling culture that is developing in society. The campus also emphasized the role of students as pioneers of the movement to be aware of the dangers of gambling, through education, social preaching, and real action based on local wisdom. In this context, educational institutions not only teach and research, but also shape the character and morals of the nation’s children.
Similar movements have also received a positive response from law enforcement officers. The Jambi Regional Police (Polda) actively opens up collaboration spaces with students through public discussions and educational forums. Jambi Police Public Relations Chief Senior Commissioner Mulia Prianto said that preventing digital crimes such as Online Gambling cannot be handled by the police alone, but requires collective involvement from all elements of society, especially the younger generation. Therefore, an educational approach is the main strategy in building collective awareness, before repressive steps need to be taken.
The discussions facilitated by the police not only aim to broaden the younger generation’s horizons about the dangers of Online Gambling, but also to instill social responsibility among students to become digital literacy agents in their respective environments. This effort is important considering that Online Gambling crimes exploit technological gaps that are difficult to detect conventionally. In this case, synergy between students as owners of intellectual potential and officers as holders of legal authority is the key to creating a healthy and productive digital space.
On the other hand, investment and financial observer I Wayan Nuka Lantara highlighted that the interest of the younger generation in Online Gambling is largely due to the ease of access and the lure of big profits with small capital. Online gambling platforms are currently very easy to access via smart devices, plus a digital payment system that makes transactions easier. The permissive social environment towards the practice further exacerbates the situation, where activities prohibited by state law and religious norms are often considered normal, even enjoyable.
Wayan explained that the impact of Online Gambling is very damaging, not only from an economic aspect, but also from a psychological and mental health perspective. Addiction to gambling can cause what is known as gambling disorder, a condition in which a person continues to gamble despite experiencing major losses. This behavior is like digging a deeper hole—the longer a person gambles, the more he or she falls into the trap of the illusion of profit. If not stopped, this condition has the potential to destroy the future of the younger generation.
Given the complexity of this problem, a repressive approach alone is not enough. Multi-actor collaboration is needed, including educational institutions, community leaders, the media, and law enforcement officers. The younger generation must be empowered, given space to speak up, and involved in active campaigns to reject Online Gambling. This kind of synergy has begun to form in Jambi Province, and can be used as a model for national collaboration in eradicating gambling-based digital crimes.
