Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto continues to demonstrate his commitment to eradicating online gambling which is increasingly disturbing the public. In the Plenary Cabinet Session at the Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (6/11), President Prabowo firmly instructed all levels of ministries and related institutions to work together without tolerance towards perpetrators or individuals who protect the practice.
Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, explained that President Prabowo’s instructions regarding the eradication of online gambling must be carried out with full seriousness and without tolerance.
“President Prabowo instructed that there be no collusion or protection against online gambling perpetrators,” said Meutya.
“He emphasized cross-ministerial and institutional cooperation to eradicate this problem completely,” he continued.
Furthermore, the Minister of Communication and Digital said that the fight against online gambling is a long-term commitment and is not limited to momentary operations.
“The fight against online gambling is a long-term effort, not a one-off or time-limited operation,” he added.
The President emphasized the importance of this effort because the lower classes often become victims, so the state must pay special attention to this problem.
Meanwhile, on the same day in a working meeting with Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the DPR Building, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) revealed that online gambling practices have now infected children, including those under the age of 10. Data shows that 2.02 percent of online gamblers are in the age group under 10 years.
“Online gambling tends to increasingly penetrate the lowest age group, we see that under 10 years old,” said PPATK Chairman Ivan Yustiavandana.
More worryingly, the percentage of income spent on gambling is also increasing. For example, online gamblers with an income of Rp 0-1 million per month are now willing to bet up to 69 percent of their income.
“Previously, people who received IDR 1 million would only use IDR 100-200 thousand to buy (gambling) online, now they use up to IDR 700 thousand for gambling,” he added.
The government’s concern about online gambling has made the relevant ministries move quickly. In a short time, the Indonesian Police have succeeded in uncovering online gambling practices within the government. Cyber Law Expert from the University of Indonesia, Intan Pratama, gave his appreciation for the government’s increasingly open actions in handling this issue.
“The government’s move to expose online gambling practices within the government is commendable. This transparency is important so that the public understands the government’s commitment to taking firm action against violations of the law,” Intan explained.
Intan added that the arrest of a number of employees involved in online gambling practices was concrete evidence of the government’s seriousness in cleaning up institutions from actions that violate the rules.
“The arrest of a number of employees shows the government’s seriousness in cleaning up institutions from practices that are not in accordance with the rules. This is a positive step that needs to be supported by all parties,” he said.
The government’s efforts to eradicate online gambling are expected to create an environment free from illegal activities and provide a deterrent effect for perpetrators. The government also promises to continue to involve the community and related institutions in creating a safe environment free from the threat of online gambling. ><