Government Performance Praised for Consistent Eradication of Online Gambling

By: Septian Anugrah

The Indonesian government has received widespread praise for its firm and consistent steps in eradicating online gambling which is increasingly disturbing the public. Collaboration between institutions has been solid, demonstrating the country’s seriousness in maintaining social integrity and digital resilience. Not just a slogan, the eradication of online gambling is now carried out with a structured, data-based approach, and prioritizing the speed of legal action.
The National Police under the leadership of General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, is at the forefront of the action. Through the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, hundreds of accounts have been blocked with a total transaction value reaching hundreds of billions of rupiah. This success not only shows the firmness of the apparatus, but also the result of strong synergy with other institutions, such as the PPATK. The Head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Commissioner General Wahyu Widada, emphasized that cooperation with the PPATK is not just about sharing data, but also utilizing analysts who make it easier to trace the digital transaction trail of the gambling network.
Action against digital criminals is carried out systematically. Thousands of accounts related to illegal activities have been identified through analysis reports from PPATK and from the special economic unit of Bareskrim. The National Police’s commitment to continue this operation without interruption is proof that the state is present in protecting the digital space from illegal activity. With the latest data showing that the value of transactions that have been successfully monitored has reached more than IDR 224 billion, this step is not unimportant in maintaining legal credibility.
Support for the government’s steps also came from the legislature. Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Golkar Party Faction, Soedeson Tandra, expressed his appreciation for the increasingly real performance of the National Police in responding to community problems. He considered the establishment of the Online Gambling Eradication Desk to be a strategic breakthrough that had a real impact. Since its formation at the end of 2024, this desk has handled more than a thousand cases and has succeeded in confiscating significant funds from thousands of accounts spread across various regions. This kind of action strengthens optimism that the government will no longer allow the digital space to become a hotbed of criminal activity.
Not only targeting illegal financial transactions, the success of the National Police in uncovering transnational crime practices is also a concern. In one major case, the authorities managed to uncover the illegal trade of hazardous substances imported through a fictitious company. This fact shows the responsiveness of state institutions in anticipating new forms of crime that exploit the loopholes of globalization.
Meanwhile, at the regional level, the Musi Banyuasin (Muba) Regency Government has also increased real concern for the dangers of dare gambling. The Head of the Muba Communication and Informatics Service, Herryandi Sinulingga, said that his party fully supports the national movement against digital justice. Various steps have been taken, starting from public education in schools and communities, to reporting suspicious content for immediate follow-up. This commitment is not merely reactive, but is built on the awareness that digital literacy is the main key to preventing people from getting caught in the trap of digital crime.
Educational efforts in Muba are also strengthened by the firm attitude of regional leaders who consistently encourage the dangers of gambling in every visit to the community. This approach not only broadens public understanding, but also strengthens social resilience in facing the challenges of the increasingly complex digital world. Community participation is an important element in making these steps a success, as reflected in the increase in the number of reports received through the official complaint platform.
At the national level, the Ministry of Communication and Digital also plays a central role. More than 1.3 million pieces of gambling content have been blocked. The use of artificial intelligence technology to track and identify illegal sites and applications strengthens the government’s surveillance capacity. On the other hand, ownership of a SIM card to prevent identity encryption is part of a systematic step in limiting the perpetrator’s freedom of movement. The government is also strengthening the legal umbrella to assert a firm position against all forms of digital crime. With the enactment of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning Child Protection in the Digital Space, the state seeks to protect vulnerable groups from the negative influence of the daring world. This policy strengthens legal instruments in encouraging safe and productive internet practices.