By: Aulia Sofyan Harahap
Amidst the rampant practice of online gambling that has penetrated Indonesia’s digital world, the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating this illegal activity. One approach that is now being increasingly intensified is strategic collaboration with global digital platform companies such as Meta and Google. This step is proof that the government cannot work alone in dealing with such massive and complex digital crimes.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani emphasized that cooperation between the government and digital platform providers is very important to close the space for the growth of online gambling content. During her working visit to the Meta Head Office in Silicon Valley, United States, Puan emphasized that Indonesia’s digital space should not be a place for the development of practices that damage social order such as judol. She appreciated Meta for actively blocking thousands of accounts and content related to online gambling in Indonesia.
Furthermore, Puan assessed that the concrete steps taken by Meta are a form of real support for Indonesia’s policy in protecting its citizens from digital threats. With Indonesia as one of the largest Instagram users in the world, the role of platforms such as Meta is considered very vital in building a healthy digital ecosystem. Therefore, Puan emphasized the importance of optimizing social media for positive and responsible activities.
During her visit, Puan also had a dialogue with the Meta team who explained various current technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) which is able to detect problematic content automatically. This technology is considered very important to strengthen the digital security system, considering that the pattern of spreading gambling content is increasingly complex and adaptive. Puan also visited Google Headquarters and emphasized the importance of cross-sector cooperation, especially in utilizing AI technology to protect the digital space from dangerous content.
Meanwhile, a similar view was also expressed by the Chairperson of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) for the 2017–2022 period, Susanto. He considered that the current digital era demands the use of sophisticated technology such as AI to detect and prevent the spread of online gambling content. According to him, an approach that is only literacy is not enough. The government needs to build an automatic system that is able to analyze, detect, and delete problematic content without having to wait for public reports.
Susanto highlighted the high vulnerability of children to exposure to gambling content in the digital space. He explained that children tend to have low resilience in filtering information on social media. This situation becomes even more dangerous when gambling promotions enter the online realm and target the younger generation. Therefore, according to him, an approach that only focuses on education needs to be equipped with a strong protection system, such as an AI-based automatic filter on all digital platforms operating in Indonesia.
In addition to preventive efforts, Susanto also reminded of the importance of rehabilitation steps for children who have been exposed to or even addicted to online gambling. He suggested that rehabilitation services be handled by social services at the district or city level, in coordination with agencies that have child protection functions. This step needs to be taken immediately, considering the number of cases involving children in judol activities is quite concerning.
Data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) in 2024 recorded that 1,836 children aged up to 17 years in DKI Jakarta were involved in online gambling practices, with a transaction value reaching IDR 2.29 billion. Meanwhile, the latest report in May 2025 shows that DKI Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Banten, and East Java are the regions with the highest number of gambling cases in Indonesia. This data reinforces the urgency to immediately strengthen the digital supervision and protection system, especially for vulnerable groups such as children.
Collaborative efforts with technology giants such as Meta and Google are a strategic step for the government in facing global challenges that also have local impacts. Amid the complexity of cyberspace, synergy between national policies and international technological strengths is the main key to creating a safe, healthy, and productive digital space for the community.
In the future, the challenge of eradicating online gambling will certainly not be easier. However, with the courage to collaborate with parties who have technological strength and a strong desire to systematically improve digital regulations and education, Indonesia is on the right track to winning the war against online gambling. Because in the end, protecting digital space is not just about blocking access, but also protecting the futuregeneration of the nation.
Cross-sector collaboration, utilization of artificial intelligence, and a strong protection system are important pillars in building a safe, healthy, and equitable digital ecosystem. With this approach, the government can ensure that Indonesia’s cyberspace does not become fertile ground for illegal practices that damage social order and the younger generation.
*) Public Policy Observer – Bentang Nusantara Public Policy Study Institute