President Prabowo Affirms Commitment to Fight Against Online Gambling and Digital Colonization
By: Shenna Aprilya Zahra )*
President Prabowo Subianto firmly announced his commitment to combat online gambling which is growing rapidly in Indonesia. This online gambling phenomenon not only damages morals and social order, but also has a very serious economic impact, especially for lower-class people.
As the leader of the nation, President Prabowo emphasized that the step to eradicate online gambling is a war that must be fought with courage, as the fighting spirit of the Indonesian heroes who fought in Surabaya on November 10, 1945.
Online gambling is now not just a legal issue, but has penetrated the moral, social, and economic aspects of society. Along with the rapid development of technology, online gambling actors are increasingly sophisticated in manipulating society, offering promises of instant profits that trap many individuals in debt traps, family breakdowns, and even criminal acts.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that the war against online gambling is a new form of digital colonization that must be fought with all power and strength. Online gambling, according to Meutya, not only involves economic crimes, but also damages the integrity and morals of the nation.
President Prabowo through the Ministry of Communication and Digital instructed firm steps to tackle online gambling, including blocking more than 10,000 bank accounts suspected of being involved in online gambling activities.
Collaboration with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) is one of the important keys in the eradication efforts. Synergy between institutions and the use of sophisticated technology to analyze suspicious financial transactions are believed to have a wider impact, closing the space for illegal activities that damage the economy.
To strengthen these steps, the Government also collaborates with various related agencies, including the police, banking, and other supervisory institutions. The success of eradicating online gambling will depend heavily on solid cross-sector cooperation.
President Prabowo reminded that the fight against online gambling is not only the government’s task, but also the task of all Indonesian people. Like the spirit of the Surabaya youth who steadfastly fought against colonialism, this nation must unite to face digital threats that seek to destroy the nation’s moral values.
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, revealed that President Prabowo is very serious in handling the online gambling problem. According to him, President Prabowo will not tolerate online gambling practices that harm the community.
Taking firm action against online gambling bookies is a priority, and if there is clear evidence, there is no room for compromise. The President has instructed the Attorney General, the Chief of Police, and the Minister of Communication and Digital to work together to resolve this issue. This very clear approach shows the seriousness of President Prabowo’s government in ensuring that the law is enforced firmly and without discrimination.
The latest data released by the Head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Ivan Yustiavandana, shows how big the economic impact of online gambling is.
In the first semester of 2024, the turnover of funds related to online gambling has reached IDR 174.56 trillion. This figure shows a very significant increase compared to previous years, where in 2021 the turnover of funds was recorded at IDR 57.91 trillion and continued to increase to reach IDR 327.05 trillion in 2023.
The spike in transactions shows how big a threat the country faces from online gambling practices, which not only harm individuals, but also damage the stability of the national economy.
Amid the rampant practice of online gambling, the Government is also focusing on increasing digital literacy for the community. One of the flagship programs initiated by the Ministry of Communication and Digital is the cekrekening.id platform which allows the public to verify accounts involved in illegal activities.
With this program, it is hoped that the public can be more vigilant and avoid the trap of online gambling. Education on the wise and safe use of technology is an integral part of the government’s efforts to create a healthier and safer digital ecosystem.
President Prabowo reminded that the fight against online gambling is a fight against digital colonization that must be fought by all Indonesian people. The public is not only invited to support the steps taken by the government, but also to actively raise awareness about the dangers of online gambling and its negative impacts. With a strong fighting spirit, it is hoped that the public can be part of the solution and play an active role in fighting this threat.
Of course, the steps taken by President Prabowo’s government in combating online gambling are not only aimed at eradicating gambling practices, but also at maintaining the nation’s morality and protecting the younger generation from negative influences that can damage their future.
As Head of State, President Prabowo is committed to ensuring that Indonesia remains on the path of progress, by creating a digital ecosystem that is safe, trustworthy, and not easily influenced by detrimental illegal practices.
With the spirit of struggle, strong collaboration between institutions, and full support from the community, the fight against online gambling can be a real step to safeguard the future of the nation, ensure that Indonesia is free from digital colonization, and protect the younger generation so that they can develop with noble moral values and a stable economy.
)* The author is a contributor to the Nusantara Reading Room
