JAKARTA – Online gambling is increasingly rampant in the digital space, threatening the social and economic stability of society. With easy access via the internet and mobile phones, anyone can fall into this trap. Realizing its negative impacts, the government is fully committed to eradicating this illegal practice.
Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid highlighted that the digital space is currently filled with negative content, including online gambling promotions that continue to target various levels of society. “The digital space must be reclaimed from this bad influence. Collaboration between institutions and the community is very important to overcome this problem,” Meutya emphasized.
The negative impacts of online gambling are very broad, including family breakdown, financial loss, and serious psychological disorders. Victims often drain their savings, sell valuables, or go into debt just to keep playing. Domestic conflict, divorce, and domestic violence (KDRT) are real consequences of this gambling addiction.
According to Meutya, online gambling addiction has a manipulative pattern. “Players are given small wins at the beginning to make them confident. After that, they fall into a cycle of addiction that is difficult to stop,” she explained.
Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar also highlighted this danger. He said that of the 8.8 million online gamblers, many eventually became the new poor. “Most are victims of fraud. This is a big challenge in the government’s efforts to eradicate extreme poverty,” said Muhaimin.
The dangers of online gambling not only affect individuals and families, but also the national economy. Many victims end up committing crimes, such as theft or embezzlement, to cover their losses. This creates an additional burden on public health and social services.
“Victims of online gambling addiction need special therapy, just like drug addiction. Unfortunately, BPJS Kesehatan claims have not accommodated this case in its entirety,” added Muhaimin.
With all the negative impacts caused, the government affirms its commitment to eradicate online gambling in order to protect the public and create a healthier digital space. “This is a shared responsibility. We must fight together for a better future for the younger generation,” concluded Meutya Hafid. [*]