By : Adisty Girl)*
Online gambling has become a disturbing phenomenon in Indonesia. Advances in technology and increasingly easier internet access make this illegal activity increasingly difficult to control. Many people fall into the practice of online gambling, which is not only financially detrimental but also has a negative impact on social and moral aspects. The government, through the Online Gambling Task Force, has made great efforts to eradicate this activity and their efforts have received appreciation from various parties.
Various online gambling platforms offer different types of games such as sports betting, casino, poker and online slots. Many of these sites operate illegally, using servers overseas to avoid detection and shutdown by authorities.
This is an important concern for the government so that this case is resolved quickly due to the increase in internet devices and smart devices and the ongoing negative impact on society.
The impact of online gambling is very significant. Many individuals experience major financial losses, and even fall into debt due to gambling addiction. Apart from that, online gambling also triggers various social problems such as marital breakdown, crime and mental disorders.
The Indonesian government is aware of how serious the threat from online gambling is. For this reason, an Online Gambling Task Force (Task Force) was formed whose task was to monitor, detect and take firm action against online gambling activities. This task force consists of various agencies such as the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), the Police, and the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) to the OJK which is commanded by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Hadi Tjahjanto.
The Online Gambling Task Force uses various methods to eradicate online gambling, from blocking sites, arresting perpetrators, to providing information to the public about the dangers of online gambling. Kominfo, for example, has blocked thousands of online gambling sites in recent years. This effort shows the government’s seriousness in eradicating online gambling in Indonesia.
The efforts of the Online Gambling Task Force have not gone unnoticed and appreciated by various parties. The community, religious leaders, academics and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provide support and appreciation for the Task Force’s performance in eradicating online gambling.
President Joko Widodo highlighted the social impacts arising from online gambling. According to him, recently there have been many incidents related to online gambling, such as loss of property being sold, divorce between husband and wife, and violence that has resulted in fatalities.
President Jokowi realizes that the problem of online gambling is cross-border, but he emphasizes the importance of protecting society itself. Religious leaders, community leaders and the entire community are asked to remind each other, monitor and report online gambling if there are indications.
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Adde Rosi Khoerunnisa, assessed that the performance of the Task Force for the Eradication of Online Gambling, aka online gambling, has begun to show success.
A few days after it was formed, the task force formed by President Joko Widodo blocked 5,000 suspicious accounts related to online gambling. This prohibited activity, he said, involved various professions, including law enforcement officers, civil servants, soldiers, and journalists.
Eradicating online gambling requires synergy. Communication and firmness from the Task Force not only arrests gambling perpetrators, but the big mafia behind these online gambling dens must be eradicated. Apart from that, according to him, the government in several regions has also formed an Online Gambling Task Force so that efforts to eradicate online gambling are more effective.
For this reason, the legislator also encouraged the government to continue to monitor sites that are indicated to be online gambling spaces. If found, he asked the government to immediately close the site.
The Minister of Communication and Informatics (Menkominfo), Budi Arie Setiadi, spoke out loudly against the widespread practice of online betting in Indonesia, describing cases of online gambling practices as a serious matter that needed attention. His party continues to remind the public to remain vigilant and invites celebrities not to promote online betting.
In line with this, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK), Muhadjir Effendy, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the Task Force, reminded the public, especially in villages, not to lend their accounts to other people. If someone wants to borrow an account number in return, they should be rejected. The name and account number can be used for online gambling activities by the borrower or even sold to other parties.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto, explained that the Task Force would involve community and religious leaders in prevention efforts, with a focus on education about the risks of addiction. Religious figures will also be involved in strengthening religious values.
Gambling activities must be jointly opposed because they are illegal and result in financial losses, social and psychological disorders which can lead to criminal acts.
The case of online gambling in Indonesia is a serious threat that requires comprehensive handling. The Online Gambling Task Force has demonstrated extraordinary performance in eradicating this illegal activity, receiving appreciation from various parties. Despite facing various challenges, with community support and cross-agency cooperation, it is hoped that efforts to eradicate online gambling can continue to be improved to create a safer and more prosperous society.
)* The author is a social observer
