By: Andi Mahesa )*
Eradicating online gambling in Indonesia has become one of the major challenges facing the Indonesian nation. Not only does it damage the younger generation, but it also threatens social and economic stability as a whole. In this increasingly urgent situation, President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized his commitment to combating online gambling through the Asta Cita principle which is a reference in his leadership. One important aspect of this vision is the involvement of all elements of society to act quickly and effectively in eradicating online gambling practices in Indonesia.
One of the most direct and obvious impacts of online gambling is the financial loss experienced by players. Many people are trapped in the world of online gambling because they are tempted by the promise of big wins in a short time. In fact, more people experience losses than profits.
People who gamble online often lose a large amount of money because they tend to keep playing even though they have lost, hoping to get back the money they lost. This addiction often leads to greater spending, even out of control. In many cases, online gamblers who are trapped in this addiction borrow money or even sell valuables to finance their gambling habits.
The financial losses experienced by these individuals then have an impact on their families. There are many cases where online gambling has resulted in the destruction of households because one of the family members has spent the entire family income on gambling. In fact, some cases show that online gambling can cause unpaid debt problems, which then lead to personal or family bankruptcy.
As the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto is well aware that the digital economy, including online gambling platforms, is a sector that continues to grow and has a huge impact on the national economy. However, even though the potential of the digital sector is very large, there are many who misuse technology for interests that are detrimental to society, one of which is online gambling.
According to Airlangga, one of the main steps that the government must take is to implement strict regulations on the digital economy sector. However, he also emphasized that eradicating online gambling is not only the government’s responsibility, but also requires the support and involvement of the entire community.
Airlangga Hartarto said that the government is now continuing to strengthen regulations, supervise online activities, and involve the private sector and the community to create a healthy digital ecosystem. Airlangga also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, community, and private sectors to combat online gambling.
The government through the relevant Ministries and/or Institutions continues to block online gambling sites, while strengthening the data and information security system. However, this kind of supervision will be more effective if the public plays an active role in reporting online gambling sites that are still operating. According to Airlangga, if the public is aware and feels responsible for protecting the digital ecosystem from misuse, then it can be believed that efforts to eradicate online gambling can be more effective.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemenkomdigi) has proven to have succeeded in eradicating online gambling by cutting off access to more than 5.5 online gambling sites until December 2024. Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria said that it is important to collaborate and involve all elements of society to unite in eradicating online gambling which is increasingly disturbing.
As President Prabowo said that online gambling is a big problem and a big enemy for society. Therefore, all elements of society must unite their determination and realize a joint collaboration by igniting the spirit of eradicating online gambling.
According to data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center, the estimated transaction value of online gambling games in Indonesia has reached almost Rp900 trillion per year. More surprising data is that there are more than 4 million online gambling players every day, of which 80,000 are children.
Success in combating online gambling depends not only on state policy, but also on the rapid response and coordination of all parties involved. In carrying out leadership, President Prabowo prioritizes the principle of Asta Cita, which has a deep meaning as a guideline for creating a better Indonesia.
Director of Governance and Public Communication Partnerships of the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemenkomdigi), Hasyim Gautama said that Kemenkomdigi is committed to eradicating online gambling by blocking illegal content and increasing digital literacy.
Hasyim hopes that the blocking will be able to build collective awareness to fight online gambling activities while increasing sensitivity to report suspicious content or activities related to gambling.
Online gambling is not just a risky entertainment issue, but more than that, it is a form of addiction that damages a person’s mental health. This gambling makes its players trapped in a cycle of false hope, where they feel that big wins are always at their fingertips, even though in reality the chances of winning are very small.
One of the most obvious impacts of online gambling is the destruction of moral values in society, especially the younger generation. From a social perspective, online gambling also has the potential to increase crime rates. In many cases, individuals who are addicted to gambling feel desperate and are forced to commit crimes, such as theft or fraud, to satisfy their gambling needs. This leads to increased insecurity in society and damages the existing social order.
Facing the increasingly widespread problem of online gambling, cooperation between the government, society, and the private sector is needed to find a solution. Stricter regulation of online gambling sites and online gaming platform providers is essential to prevent people from getting caught up in this illegal gambling world. In addition, education about the dangers of online gambling and the importance of maintaining mental health and economic stability must also be intensified, especially among the younger generation.
*) The author is a student who lives in Jakarta .