By: Novril Steno )*
The Indonesian government has shown a very strong commitment to combating the problem of online gambling that has grown rapidly in the country. Firm action and strict regulatory policies continue to be encouraged to tackle this illegal practice that is detrimental to society.
One of the main steps taken by the government to stop online gambling is to introduce a policy of restrictions and blocking of online gambling content spread on the internet. These steps are designed to reduce the circulation and access to online gambling that threatens Indonesia’s social and economic stability.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized the importance of a preventive approach in combating online gambling. One of the major initiatives introduced is the re-registration of SIM cards with biometric technology. With this technology, the government is trying to ensure that every telecommunications user can be clearly identified.
This SIM card re-registration step was taken as part of an effort to address the problem of online gambling which is often done through digital communication. Meutya emphasized that this technology will make it easier to identify online gambling perpetrators, as well as ensure that every individual registered in the telecommunications system can be clearly accounted for.
However, technology alone is not enough to eradicate online gambling practices. Therefore, the government is also intensifying socialization regarding digital literacy to the public, especially the younger generation. Digital literacy is one of the important aspects in this effort, because the younger generation is the group most vulnerable to online gambling traps.
At the same time, the government is also working with mobile operators to limit credit transactions that are often misused for online gambling transactions. The credit transfer restriction that is currently enforced at a maximum of IDR 1 million is one of the government’s efforts to cut off access to online gambling related to credit transactions. This restriction has been successfully implemented by mobile operators, which is expected to suppress the rate of online gambling transactions via credit.
This was stated by the Acting Director General of Digital Infrastructure, Ismail, who explained that the policy has been running and is being evaluated to be more effective in the future. This step is one of the strategic steps to reduce the potential for misuse of the telecommunications system used as a means of transaction by online gambling actors.
In addition, the Indonesian Government through Komdigi also took direct action by blocking online gambling content found on various digital platforms. From October to December 2024, Komdigi has successfully taken down more than 464,000 online gambling content, including websites, social media accounts, and file sharing applications.
This is a significant effort to combat the spread of online gambling that has been disturbing the community. This data shows that the government continues to intensify efforts to clean up the digital space from illegal activities, including online gambling. This figure also adds to the total content that has been blocked since 2017, which has reached more than five million online gambling content.
The Indonesian government also realizes that the problem of online gambling is not only an economic problem, but can also damage the mental health of the perpetrators. Several studies have shown that online gambling can cause addiction which has a negative impact on the personal and social lives of its users.
In addition, online gamblers are also often victims of cybercrime, because their personal data used to register on online gambling sites can be misused. Acting Director General of Digital Space Supervision of the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Alexander Sabar, emphasized that online gambling is not only detrimental in terms of finances, but can also threaten the security of personal data.
Many online gambling sites do not have a clear privacy policy, so personal data such as mobile numbers, emails, and bank account numbers are often at risk of being hacked and misused by online gambling syndicates.
As a follow-up, the government has introduced various other policies, including restrictions on transactions on digital platforms that are suspected of being used for online gambling transactions. This policy also aims to prevent the increasingly widespread misuse of digital space.
In addition, the government also continues to optimize cooperation with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to monitor the flow of funds used in online gambling activities. By utilizing technology, tracking these illegal transactions becomes easier, so that action can be taken more quickly and precisely.
The Indonesian government, through firm and structured policies, is determined to end the practice of online gambling that is increasingly disturbing the community. In recent months, it has been revealed that online gambling transactions in Indonesia have reached a very large figure, namely more than IDR 41 trillion from January to September 2024.
Therefore, the policies implemented by the government are very important to maintain the security and welfare of the people and the stability of the Indonesian economy. President Prabowo Subianto gave clear direction on the importance of tackling the problem of online gambling, and the government is committed to not providing space for this illegal practice to develop further.
The public is also expected to be more active in maintaining a safe and healthy digital space, and to report suspicious activities to the authorities. The government continues to invite all elements of the nation to unite in eradicating online gambling for a better and safer future for all Indonesian people.
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Gold Forum