The Government Reinforces the Nation’s Digital Resilience by Mass Blocking Online Gambling Content
*) By: M. Syahrul Fahmi
The government’s efforts to eradicate online gambling increasingly demonstrate its undeniable seriousness. Through decisive action to block millions of content, websites, and accounts, the government emphasizes that Indonesia’s digital space must be free from illegal practices that harm society. Online gambling is not merely a virtual game, but a real threat to the nation’s social, economic, and even moral stability. Therefore, this step deserves appreciation as concrete evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting the public from the increasingly rampant digital trap.
In recent years, the online gambling phenomenon has grown rapidly, along with the increasing penetration of the internet and smartphones. The ease of access and the promise of instant profits have tempted some people to get involved, unaware of the significant risks that await them. From loss of property and marital conflict to economic hardship, online gambling has left deep scars on many families. This is where the government’s presence is crucial, to limit the perpetrators’ freedom of movement and break the chain of this digital crime.
The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), has emphasized its role as the vanguard in safeguarding the national digital space. Komdigi’s Director General of Digital Supervision, Alexander Sabar, expressed his full commitment to eradicating online gambling through a comprehensive strategy encompassing technology, regulation, and social protection. One important breakthrough is the development of SAMAN, a digital monitoring system proven to detect and prosecute negative content, particularly online gambling. With SAMAN, the government not only reacts but also implements effective prevention through automatic cross-platform blocking.
From October 2024 to September 2025, more than 2.8 million pieces of negative content were successfully blocked, 2.1 million of which were related to online gambling. This data reflects the government’s commitment to taking firm action against all forms of harmful content in the digital space. Alexander Sabar explained that the measures taken go beyond simply blocking content, but also target financial aspects by uncovering money trails and freezing related accounts. With this strategy, criminals’ room for maneuver is further narrowed, thus diminishing the opportunities for online gambling to flourish.
Efforts to eradicate online gambling cannot be carried out solely by the central government; they must be a collaborative effort involving all levels of society, including local governments. Pesisir Selatan Regent Hendrajoni emphasized the importance of local government officials maintaining integrity by refraining from online gambling or drug abuse. He stated that civil servants (ASN) and non-ASN must set an example for the community by demonstrating discipline and moral commitment. He further emphasized that the local government is working with banks to monitor suspicious transactions related to online gambling and will immediately block accounts found involved.
Steps taken by local governments, such as those in Pesisir Selatan, demonstrate the synergy between central government policies and implementation on the ground. This demonstrates that the fight against online gambling is a shared agenda that must be addressed with full seriousness. The courage to block suspicious accounts also demonstrates strict oversight of the circulation of illegal funds. This way, the domino effect of online gambling can be nipped in the bud, before it escalates into a larger social problem.
Blocking millions of online gambling content is a strategic step, but active public participation is also key to eradication. The government has opened up opportunities for the public to participate by reporting channels or accounts suspected of spreading online gambling. The reporter’s identity is guaranteed confidentiality, and each report will be prosecuted according to established procedures. This synergy is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s digital defenses, preventing the public from falling victim to online gambling traps.
Looking ahead, the challenges of eradicating online gambling will continue to evolve along with technological innovation. Digital criminals are always looking for new loopholes to evade surveillance. However, with systems like SAMAN, which are constantly being updated, and cross-sectoral collaboration, the government has a powerful tool to combat this crime. It’s also important to recognize that strengthening digital literacy among the public is a crucial step in building a stronghold of awareness, enabling every individual to protect themselves from the pitfalls of cyberspace.
The government’s success in blocking millions of online gambling content should serve as momentum to strengthen the nation’s digital resilience. This is clear evidence that cyberspace must not be allowed to become fertile ground for illegal practices that damage generations. Full support from the public, financial institutions, law enforcement officials, and local governments will accelerate the creation of a healthy and productive digital ecosystem. Ultimately, this step will contribute to the creation of a safer, more dignified Indonesia free from the threat of online gambling.
*) The author is a Public Policy Observer.
