Social Assistance Must Be Beneficial, Not a Tool for Online Gambling
By: William Pratama
Social assistance (bansos) distributed by the government is a tangible manifestation of the state’s concern for communities impacted by the economic situation. Amidst pressures on purchasing power due to fluctuating prices of basic necessities, social assistance is a crucial instrument for maintaining social stability, helping low-income families meet basic needs, and strengthening household resilience. However, behind these good intentions lies a serious challenge: the misuse of social assistance for online gambling practices, which damage the economic foundations and morals of society.
The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, firmly reminded recipients of Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) not to misuse the funds for counterproductive activities. During his visit to Pekanbaru City, the Vice President directly observed the distribution of BSU funds to informal sector workers and laborers affected by the economy. He emphasized that this social assistance should not be spent on speculative activities like online gambling, but should be used to meet basic needs and strengthen family finances.
Vice President Gibran’s warning is not without basis. Online gambling practices have now infected various levels of society, including those under economic pressure. Under the pretext of “seeking fortune,” some people are trapped in a cycle of debt and dependency. This is highly ironic, as funds provided by the state to support life have the potential to become a path to destruction if not used wisely.
The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, echoed this sentiment. While distributing social assistance worth IDR 5.8 billion in Gresik Regency, she reminded the public to be careful in using the funds. Governor Khofifah highlighted the rampant practice of online gambling, which could sabotage the benefits of social assistance. She urged that the aid be properly safeguarded and used responsibly to support daily life and more essential needs.
An example of a recipient who has used the aid wisely is Muhammad Rizky, a resident of Tenayan Raya, Pekanbaru. Rizky admitted to using the BSU funds for his children’s school needs, purchasing learning supplies, and meeting household needs. This is an ideal practice in utilizing social assistance, which should be emulated by all recipients. Appropriately used aid funds not only provide immediate benefits but also help maintain social resilience within the family.
Furthermore, the government is not only distributing economic aid but also providing educational support to children from extremely poor families through the People’s School program. During his working visit to Rumbai, Vice President Gibran directly ensured that the school’s students received learning facilities, accommodations, and meals. All facilities are provided free of charge, demonstrating the state’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality education.
This effort demonstrates that the state’s presence extends beyond funding alone, through long-term programs to break the cycle of poverty. However, all these initiatives will lose their impact if the public lacks awareness and moral responsibility in managing the aid provided. Online gambling is not only illegal but also psychologically damaging, destroys family finances, and erodes productivity.
Preventive measures through financial literacy education are crucial in addressing this threat. The government, educational institutions, community leaders, and the media must play an active role in educating the public so that aid funds are used to strengthen the economic foundations of households. This literacy includes how to manage money, plan expenses, and instill the principle that no instant profit can replace hard work and planning.
Furthermore, oversight of the use of social assistance also needs to be tightened. The central and regional governments can establish community-based monitoring systems to ensure that aid is properly targeted and not misused. At the village and sub-district levels, officials can be involved in providing regular education and facilitating assistance to beneficiaries. Transparency and accountability need to be maintained with a humane approach, without making the public feel under repressive surveillance.
In the long term, law enforcement against online gambling platform providers must also be a priority. The public must not be left freely exposed to gambling sites or applications. By cutting off digital access to gambling networks and imposing strict penalties on perpetrators, the state demonstrates its firmness in protecting citizens from the destructive traps of a pseudo-economy.
