By: Judas Onel
Online gambling is increasingly becoming a real threat in the digital era. Easy access through electronic devices makes this phenomenon spread rapidly, especially among the younger generation. The government, through various policies and cross-sector collaboration, continues to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating this detrimental practice. Full community support is the key to success in fighting this threat.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, on various occasions emphasized that the anti-online gambling campaign is one of the government’s top priorities. According to him, online gambling not only erodes individual finances, but also has a major impact on the future of the younger generation. According to him, online gambling is financially detrimental and threatens the future of the younger generation and must be stopped together. This statement highlights the importance of collective awareness to protect the next generation from dangers that can damage their mental, moral, and financial stability.
Data shows that many young people are trapped in the circle of online gambling because they are tempted by the lure of instant profits. In reality, most of them actually lose large amounts of money, even getting into debt. This impact is exacerbated by the risk of addiction that can destroy an individual’s productivity and future.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, revealed that eradicating online gambling requires cross-sector collaboration. She emphasized that the government is expanding the anti-online gambling campaign to increase digital awareness among the younger generation. She added that her party will expand the reach of the anti-online gambling campaign to create a young generation that is digitally aware, free from online gambling, and able to achieve. Collaboration with various parties will continue to be improved.
This collaborative approach includes cooperation with other ministries, educational institutions, communities, and inspiring figures. The government is also trying to strengthen regulations related to the supervision of digital platforms used for online gambling, while strengthening sanctions against violators. On the other hand, educational campaigns involving mass media and social media are strategic steps to reach the wider community.
This initiative is very important, considering that digital literacy in Indonesia still faces various challenges. Awareness of the dangers of online gambling must be part of early education, so that young people have the knowledge and ability to resist this destructive temptation.
Not only the government, society, especially the youth, must also play an active role in the fight against online gambling. The chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Student Action Union (KAMMI), Iskandar Zulkarnain, emphasized the importance of youth participation in this issue. According to him, the issue of online gambling is a very disturbing problem and must be fought together. The steps taken by the government and the Police to eradicate online gambling are the right steps and must be supported by all parties.
Iskandar added that young people can contribute in various ways, such as being active in anti-online gambling campaigns, providing education to peers, and becoming agents of change in their respective communities. With a spirit of togetherness, the younger generation can be at the forefront of protecting their future from the threat of online gambling.
Eradicating online gambling is not without challenges. Rapid technological developments have made online gambling operators continue to look for loopholes to operate, including using anonymous platforms or overseas servers. In addition, there are still challenges in law enforcement that require closer coordination between the government, law enforcement officers, and internet service providers.
However, this challenge is not a reason to give up. Instead, it is an encouragement for all parties to strengthen their commitment and innovation in facing the threat. The development of surveillance technology and increasing the capacity of law enforcement are crucial steps in suppressing the rate of development of online gambling.
Online gambling is a real threat and must be taken seriously. The government has shown its commitment through various policies and cross-sector collaboration. Now, it is the public’s turn to support this step by staying away from all forms of online gambling and spreading awareness of its dangers.
For the younger generation, the future is an asset that must be protected. By staying away from online gambling, we can create a generation that is high-achieving, digitally aware, and globally competitive. Let’s work together to support government policies and play an active role in building a society free from the threat of online gambling. Indonesia’s future is in our hands.
)* The author is a member of the Gen Z Digital Literacy Community from East Java