By: Joanna Alexandra Putri )*
Online gambling practices continue to be an increasingly worrying threat to Indonesia’s young generation. This phenomenon not only damages individual morals, but also threatens the nation’s success in producing a golden generation in 2045. Online gambling, which is increasingly rampant through digital platforms, not only erodes the potential of young people but also has serious social, economic, and legal impacts.
Rapid technological developments, especially in the digital era, have also facilitated access to online gambling. In this situation, the younger generation is the most vulnerable group to exposure.
The negative impacts of online gambling are not only moral but also include mental and spiritual aspects. Judol practices have been very detrimental not only to society but also involve law enforcement officers and policy makers.
Muhammad Fathinnuddin, an academic from the University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta and a social media activist, said that the use of gadgets is very dependent on the user’s intentions. If used for positive things, gadgets can be a useful learning tool. However, if used for activities such as online gambling, only sin and destruction are produced.
The Principal of SMK Pembangunan Jaya – YAKAPI, Warsidi, emphasized that online gambling has the potential to damage the future of the nation’s generation. He considered that the habit of gambling not only has a negative impact on individuals but also has a domino effect that damages the social environment.
Students are expected to understand and avoid online gambling practices while also socializing the dangers in their environment. The active involvement of the younger generation in reporting online gambling activities is also an important step to combat the phenomenon collectively.
In addition to religious punishment that prohibits gambling, positive law also provides strict sanctions for online gambling perpetrators. In this case, the law does not provide a tolerance gap for gambling activities.
Furthermore, Fathinnuddin explained that online gambling causes addiction that is difficult to overcome and causes the perpetrators to be far from achievement. Losing focus due to this practice will distance the younger generation from achievements that should support Indonesia in achieving the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
Young generations who fall into online gambling tend to lose their potential, both in education, career, and social life. Meanwhile, those who fall into online gambling not only harm themselves but also their families, even the surrounding environment.
The widespread impact of online gambling on mental and social health is also a serious concern for law enforcement. Pasar Minggu Police Chief, Anggiat Sinambela, explained that online gambling not only destroys financial conditions but also triggers criminal acts, worsens social relationships, and increases the risk of suicide.
He also mentioned that several regions in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Banten, and East Java, are areas with the most online gambling cases. This shows how massive the spread of the threat is in society.
Sinambela added that Indonesian law provides strict sanctions for online gambling perpetrators through Article 303 of the Criminal Code and Article 45 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 27 paragraph 2 of the ITE Law. The government has also provided a complaint channel to help the public report online gambling activities. Collaborative steps between the public and law enforcement officers are an important key to eradicating this phenomenon from its roots.
It is important to understand that online gambling is not only a legal and moral issue but also a major economic issue. Gamblers often experience financial ruin that harms not only themselves but also their families and those around them. Losing money due to online gambling often triggers family conflicts, unpaid debts, and even criminal acts such as theft and fraud.
In addition to the social and legal impacts, the threat of online gambling to mental health is increasingly real. Online gamblers often experience prolonged stress due to financial losses, emotional tension, and loss of trust from those around them. This phenomenon reflects not only individual failure but also a collective failure to protect the younger generation from devastating dangers.
As a real step against this threat, students and educators of SMK Pembangunan Jaya – YAKAPI declared a firm stance against all forms of online gambling. They are committed to upholding the values of Pancasila, supporting state policies in eradicating online gambling, and inviting students throughout Indonesia to unite to combat this activity. This declaration also emphasizes the importance of working together with law enforcement officers to create a conducive society free from the threat of online gambling.
Another concrete step was shown by around 800 students and teachers of SMK Pembangunan Jaya – YAKAPI who actively joined the social platform Forum Indonesia Emas. They expressed their commitment to help report online gambling activities in their environment while at the same time socializing the dangers of such practices to their families, friends, and the surrounding community.
The movement is proof that collaboration between education, public awareness, and law enforcement can be a solid defense against the dangers of online gambling.
Online gambling is not just an individual issue but has become a serious threat to the future of the nation. If left unchecked, this threat can damage morals, weaken the potential of the younger generation, and hinder the nation’s journey towards progress.
In an effort to create a golden generation capable of bringing Indonesia to achieve its grand vision in 2045, all parties need to play an active role in combating these threats. With collective awareness, firm policies, and real action, the future of Indonesia’s young generation can be saved from the dangers lurking in the digital era.
)* The author is a contributor to Jeka Media Institute