By: Jefri Isaak)*
The government’s efforts to eradicate online gambling should be appreciated as a real step in protecting society from negative impacts that are detrimental economically and socially. Various related agencies have shown a strong commitment to suppress this illegal practice, which only benefits a few parties while destroying the future of many people.
The dangers of online gambling have become a serious problem that is destroying the foundations of society. Online gambling offers the lure of big profits in a short time, but in reality it only benefits bookies and operators. Perpetrators often use manipulative strategies to attract victims, who eventually get into debt, lose assets, and even experience family breakdown. This phenomenon not only causes financial losses, but also triggers social problems such as crime and mental health disorders.
Acting Head of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Literacy, Financial Inclusion, and Communication Department, M Ismail Riyadi, said that his party had asked banks to block around 8,500 accounts related to online gambling throughout 2024. This step was taken based on data provided by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) and shows strong synergy between government agencies to address this problem. In addition, banks were also asked to increase due diligence and report suspicious transactions to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK).
Not only OJK, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) also plays an important role in eradicating online gambling. Throughout 2024, Polri has handled 4,926 gambling cases, with 1,611 of them being online gambling crimes. Of that number, 1,918 suspects were successfully secured, ranging from bookies, admins, to players.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said that his party also applied the money laundering crime (TPPU) article to provide a deterrent effect to the perpetrators. In addition, assets worth Rp61.072 billion were successfully confiscated, including land, buildings, luxury vehicles, and cash. The police also filed a blocking request for more than 126,000 online gambling sites.
This step shows the government’s seriousness in eradicating online gambling that has penetrated various levels of society. Online gambling is not only an individual problem, but also a national problem that has a broad impact on the economy and social stability. As a form of prevention, the government continues to strive to increase public awareness about the dangers of online gambling. In Pariaman, for example, the City Government is collaborating with religious, traditional, and community leaders to socialize the negative impacts of online gambling and encourage people to return to religious teachings. Assistant I of PemkoPariaman, Yaminurizal, emphasized that there are no benefits to be gained from gambling, and a religious value-based approach is the most effective way to overcome this phenomenon.
A comprehensive approach involving various parties is the key to the success of eradicating online gambling. In addition to strict law enforcement, public education also plays an important role. In this case, the involvement of religious and community leaders is essential to build collective awareness. The government and law enforcement cannot work alone; support from the community is essential to break the chain of gambling practices.
The government also needs to continue to update technology to detect and close online gambling sites. With increasingly sophisticated technology, online gamblers continue to find ways to avoid blocking and continue their illegal activities. Therefore, the government must invest in the development of technology that can track and identify new sites quickly. In addition, cooperation with technology companies and internet service providers also needs to be improved to block access to these sites.
Equally important, consistent law enforcement must continue to be carried out. Strict law enforcement will send a strong signal that the government will not tolerate online gambling practices. The implementation of the TPPU article, as has been done by the Police, is a very appropriate step because it can destroy the financial network of online gambling perpetrators and provide a deterrent effect.
However, law enforcement alone is not enough. The public also needs to be actively involved in efforts to eradicate online gambling. Education and awareness campaigns must be intensified, especially among the younger generation who are vulnerable to being targeted by online gambling. Utilizing social media and digital platforms as a means of campaigning can be an effective strategy to reach more people.
The government’s commitment to eradicating online gambling is a step that must be supported by all elements of society. Online gambling is not only a threat to individuals, but also to families and society as a whole. With strong synergy between the government, law enforcement, and the community, we can break the chain of this destructive gambling.
Let us together combat online gambling by raising awareness of its dangers and supporting every effort made by the government. A better future can only be achieved if we all play an active role in protecting society from this detrimental practice.*
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Gold Forum