Jakarta – The government is currently formulating a national strategy to eradicate online gambling, involving cross-sector collaboration that includes religious leaders and civil society, to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen synergy among ministries, agencies, and regional governments in addressing the growing social and economic threats posed by digital gambling practices.
Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Oversight at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), emphasized that the government continues to enhance strategic measures to combat online gambling (commonly known as judol) through a more integrated and sustainable cross-sectoral approach.
He conveyed this during a public discussion forum attended by representatives from ministries, government agencies, and regional administrations in Jakarta.
“Today’s forum holds strategic significance—not only as a platform for exchanging views but also as a constructive and comprehensive space for input from ministries, institutions, local governments, and the public,” said Alexander in Jakarta.
Komdigi is currently drafting national policy recommendations as a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision, particularly under the agenda of legal and bureaucratic reform.
These recommendations will serve as the foundation for a long-term strategy for law enforcement in the digital sphere to address the increasingly complex challenges of online gambling.
Alexander underlined that online gambling is no longer a single-dimensional issue but a cross-sectoral problem that directly affects the social, economic, and security resilience of society.
Data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) indicates a persistently high level of online gambling activity in Indonesia, especially among younger demographics.
According to PPATK’s latest report, the value of online gambling transactions from January to October 2025 dropped significantly to IDR 155 trillion, compared to IDR 359 trillion in the previous year. Likewise, total deposit values declined to IDR 24 trillion, down from IDR 51 trillion in 2024.
Despite this achievement, Alexander issued an important reminder that neither the government nor the public should become complacent, as the modus operandi of online gambling networks continues to evolve alongside advances in digital technology.
“This success must not make us complacent. The methods used in online gambling are constantly evolving. Therefore, law enforcement efforts must go hand in hand with strengthening regulations, public education, and cross-sectoral cooperation,” he stated.
He further stressed that eradicating online gambling cannot rely solely on technological blocking systems or law enforcement, but requires social and moral support from the community—a role in which religious leaders are pivotal.
“Religious leaders play a crucial role. Our society is deeply rooted in religiosity—when religious figures deliver guidance, their followers listen,” he said.