Government Focuses on Improving Digital Literacy to Prevent Online Gambling
The government continues to focus efforts on improving digital literacy as a preventative measure against the rise of online gambling in Indonesia. This commitment is demonstrated by the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam) and several ministries and institutions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and public awareness.
Syaiful Garyadi, Assistant Deputy for Data Protection and Electronic Transactions Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, emphasized that the strategic location of the Riau Islands, directly bordering Singapore and Malaysia, makes this region vulnerable to becoming a gateway for cross-border online gambling.
“The threat of online gambling not only disrupts social and economic stability, but also has the potential to lead to misuse of people’s personal data,” he said.
Syaiful explained that the government has established an Online Gambling Eradication Desk involving ministries, central agencies, regional governments, and regional heads. Based on data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), 66,097 people out of a total population of 2.18 million Riau Islands are suspected of being involved in online gambling. Furthermore, data matching with the Ministry of Social Affairs shows that 2,377 families receiving social assistance were involved, with total transactions reaching IDR 8.31 billion.
He added that the biggest challenge in eradicating online gambling is the perpetrators’ use of VPN applications, which makes it difficult for the Ministry of Communication and Digital to block sites.
“Digital literacy is one of the keys to eradicating online gambling. It’s not just about technological capabilities, but also building critical awareness so that the public doesn’t easily fall for the lure of online gambling. With synergy between institutions and public support, we are optimistic that we can suppress the rate of online gambling in Indonesia,” said Syaiful.
Similar support came from the Governor of the Riau Islands, Ansar Ahmad. He emphasized his commitment to preventing online gambling in his region by tracking civil servants suspected of involvement, collaborating with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia for guidance, and intensifying outreach through social media.
“Collaboration between the central and regional governments is crucial to ensuring the President’s priority programs truly benefit the community. Furthermore, we need to strengthen digital literacy as a bulwark against the threat of online gambling, especially in border areas like the Riau Islands,” said Ansar.
Efforts to improve literacy are also being made among university students. The Head of the LPS II Surabaya Representative Office, Bambang S. Hidayat, stated that students are highly vulnerable to exposure to gambling practices and online loans.
“We provide financial literacy, including how to manage it to prevent risks such as online gambling and illegal online loans,” he said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Economics at UIN Malang, Dr. Misbahul Munir, considered the activity important because students gain direct understanding from practitioners.
“The presence of LPS allows students to gain direct understanding of field practices,” he said.
He hopes the program can continue so that financial literacy becomes more ingrained.
With synergy between the central and regional governments, as well as educational institutions, strengthening digital and financial literacy is believed to be a strategic step in closing the gap for the spread of online gambling in Indonesia.
