By: Andi Mahesa)*
Online gambling is increasingly becoming a serious problem in Indonesia, spreading to various levels of society, especially the younger generation who are vulnerable to the influence of technology. In recent years, online gambling has grown rapidly, taking advantage of advances in information and communication technology. As a result, this practice is not only financially detrimental, but also causes significant social and psychological damage. In response to this phenomenon, the government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemenkomdigi) is committed to combating online gambling with a more comprehensive approach. One of the main steps being encouraged is strengthening digital literacy among the community.
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.
Online gamblers often lose large amounts of money because they tend to keep playing even after losing, hoping to win back the money they lost. This addiction often leads to greater spending, even out of control.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid said that digital literacy is the key to building public awareness about the dangers of online gambling and the importance of avoiding such practices. According to her, increasing digital literacy is not only limited to mastering technology, but also a deeper understanding of ethics, negative impacts, and potential dangers of the digital world, including online gambling.
The government, through the Minister of Communication and Digital, continues to strive to increase digital literacy capacity in all levels of society, from young people to adults, so that they are more alert and smart in using technology.
Online gambling is often presented in a way that looks attractive and tempting, namely through promotions or easily accessible applications. This makes it very difficult to distinguish from other digital entertainment activities. Therefore, strong digital literacy is important to filter which ones can be enjoyed safely and which ones can lead to big problems, such as online gambling addiction.
Acting Director General of Public Communication and Media of the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Molly Prabawaty said that online gambling not only has a negative impact on the financial aspect, but can also damage the social and psychological life of its users. Abuse of online gambling can trigger depression, anxiety, and damage social relationships, which are much more dangerous than just losing money.
As part of its efforts to address this issue, the government has taken several concrete steps. One of them is by tightening supervision of online gambling content in the digital space. Not only that, the government is also working with internet service providers and digital platforms to block access to gambling sites. However, Molly said that supervision and enforcement alone are not enough. Strong digital literacy must go hand in hand to create a society that is more aware of the dangers of online gambling and is able to protect themselves from these temptations.
Digital literacy efforts carried out by the Government through various campaigns to increase understanding of the dangers of online gambling, with the aim of reducing people’s dependence on destructive online gambling, have a very positive long-term effect on society. Education on digital literacy, in addition to teaching technological skills, also includes an understanding of the ethics of internet use, as well as the negative impacts of technology that is not managed wisely.
Support for this policy comes from various groups, both from the government sector, educational institutions, to civil society organizations. The digital literacy program that continues to be expanded, coupled with strict law enforcement efforts against online gambling sites, is expected to reduce the prevalence of online gambling in Indonesia. The education program is also expected to open the public’s insight into the losses caused by gambling habits, which are not only in the form of financial losses, but also the loss of social integrity and family relationships.
In addition, the Government also continues to strive to improve collaboration with various sectors to provide more inclusive solutions in preventing the spread of online gambling. For example, working with financial institutions to block suspicious transactions.
As a society, we must be wiser in responding to the ever-changing development of technology. In the midst of the rise of online gambling, we need to prioritize understanding and awareness that all forms of gambling, especially those carried out through digital platforms, can lead us into a much worse situation. Not only financially, but also in social and mental aspects. Our active role in improving digital literacy will not only protect ourselves, but also our families and the surrounding community from the bad threats that come from cyberspace.
In the face of rapid technological and digital developments, we as a society must be vigilant against all forms of threats, one of which is online gambling. The government has emphasized its commitment to addressing this problem by strengthening digital literacy across all levels of society. It is time for us to also play an active role in utilizing technology wisely and educating ourselves and others about the dangers of online gambling. Good digital literacy will help us protect ourselves from negative influences that can damage the future. Let’s fight online gambling together and create a safer and healthier digital space for future generations.
*) The author is a student who lives in Jakarta.