JAKARTA – Eradicating online gambling in Indonesia requires a comprehensive multi-sector approach, including increasing digital literacy, strengthening regulations, and increasing the capacity of law enforcement officers. This was conveyed by the Executive Director of the Indonesia South-South Foundation (ISSF), Akbar Azmi Hardjasasmita, in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Online Gambling: Multidimensional Challenges in South-South Countries/Developing Countries”
Akbar emphasized that online gambling has a serious impact on social and economic life, especially for the younger generation who are the main targets.
“The impacts include financial dependence, increasing crime rates, and moral degradation,” he said. To counter this danger, massive education through digital campaigns, seminars, and collaboration with educational institutions are important steps.
The FGD also presented a number of experts, including Criminal and Civil Law Expert from Trisakti University, Abdul Fickar Hadjar, S.H., M.H., Lecturer at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and Program Director of Monitor Indonesia Research & Consulting, Febri Dirgantara, and Co-Founder of Kawal Sidang Indonesia, Yasmin Nur. Akbar hopes that this discussion can foster constructive dialectics so that the results can become ideas for all parties.
In addition, Akbar emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics, government, and civil society to create a more holistic approach to eradicating online gambling.
“Academic research can help understand behavioral patterns and the economic impact of online gambling, while the resulting policies must be data-based and involve active community participation,” he explained.
Criminal and Civil Law Expert, Abdul Fickar Hadjar, S.H., M.H., highlighted the legal aspects and criminal consequences of online gambling activities, including the regulations currently implemented and legal loopholes that are still exploited by perpetrators.
“We live in a big system. Online gambling is a system on top of that system too. Online gambling is not enough to be prosecuted, but the system must also be improved,” said Abdul Fickar.
In facing the rapid development of digital technology, the threat of online gambling is increasingly real and needs to be anticipated with a comprehensive approach. Active participation from various parties is needed to create a healthy digital environment free from illegal activities. Collaboration between academics, government, and civil society is expected to produce effective strategic solutions in eradicating online gambling in Indonesia.{}