Drafting PP on Eradicating Online Gambling, Government Affirms Commitment to Protecting Digital Space
*) By: Andi Mahesa
The government continues to strengthen efforts to eradicate online gambling with concrete steps in the form of finalizing the Draft Government Regulation (PP) on Eradicating Online Gambling. Through the Ministry of Law and under the direct direction of President Prabowo Subianto, this draft regulation is concrete evidence that the state is present to protect the public from the damaging impacts of this illegal practice. Online gambling not only threatens the economic stability of families, but also damages social order and causes unrest in society. In this context, the need for a strong and operational legal umbrella is very urgent.
The Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, said that the government is currently finalizing the PP on Eradicating Online Gambling. According to him, this PP was drafted by emphasizing two important aspects, namely prevention and more optimal action. The government wants to ensure that the approach used is not only reactive, but also preventive through education and access restrictions. He stated that the draft PP will be completed in the near future and will become one of the key regulations in supporting the work of other ministries and institutions.
Supratman also emphasized that eradicating online gambling is a serious focus of the government. He considered that the impact of online gambling is very broad and touches all levels of society, from big cities to remote villages. In this regard, President Prabowo Subianto is said to have given clear direction to strengthen prevention and supervision efforts against this activity. Supratman emphasized that the government will not remain silent as society continues to be harmed by illegal practices that are increasingly rampant in the digital space.
The draft PP is designed to have sufficient legal force to prosecute online gambling perpetrators more effectively. In addition to blocking content by technical ministries, this regulation will provide a strong legal basis for law enforcement officers in conducting investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. This PP is also said to open up wider cooperation between ministries, institutions, and digital authorities such as internet service providers and social media platform operators. The goal is to create a comprehensive and sustainable monitoring and access termination system.
On the other hand, support from the police is also an important factor in implementing this policy. The Executive Director of the Indonesian Police Strategy Study Institute (Lemkapi), Edi Hasibuan, said that the performance of the Police is increasingly felt by the public, especially in terms of eradicating crimes that disturb the public. According to him, the Police have shown a high commitment to fighting various forms of crime, including thuggery, drugs, and of course online gambling. Law enforcement efforts are carried out not only at the city level, but also in remote villages to reach users and perpetrators of online gambling which are increasingly widespread.
Edi also emphasized the importance of multi-layered digital supervision, especially considering the character of online gambling which is easily accessible and spreads quickly through digital platforms. He said that the Police continue to strengthen cyber units and increase synergy with other agencies in an effort to eradicate online gambling systematically. The public, according to Edi, is also starting to feel the impact of the state’s presence in protecting them from the trap of practices that are economically and morally detrimental. Public trust in security institutions is also considered to have increased along with the concrete steps taken by officers in the field.
Meanwhile, public support is an important element that cannot be ignored. Online gambling is not only a legal issue, but also a social and cultural issue that needs to be addressed together. The role of families, schools, communities, and religious leaders is crucial in building awareness of the dangers of online gambling, especially among young people. In this case, the government has shown its seriousness through a holistic approach: improving regulations, strengthening law enforcement, and encouraging digital education widely.
Indonesia’s digital space is currently at a critical point. On the one hand, technological advances bring great benefits to people’s lives. However, on the other hand, this space has also become a fertile ground for illegal activities such as online gambling. With the Draft PP on the Eradication of Online Gambling, the government is trying to change this landscape to make it safer, healthier, and more productive for all citizens. This policy is an important milestone on the journey towards Indonesia’s dignified digital sovereignty.
The public is expected to support the government’s steps in eradicating online gambling. The state’s commitment will not be enough without the active participation of citizens not to be part of this practice, either as users or providers.ebar. Collaboration between the government, authorities, and the community is the key to winning the war against online gambling that damages the foundations of life. With a shared spirit, Indonesia can create a clean, ethical, and just digital space.
*) The author is a student living in Jakarta.
