By: Bara Winatha
The government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting the younger generation from the growing threat of online gambling in the digital age. For the state, online gambling is not just a legal violation — it is a serious threat to morality, productivity, and the socio-economic future of society. Through cross-agency coordination, firm actions have been taken, including blocking illegal websites, reporting suspicious bank accounts, and even terminating social assistance for individuals misusing government funds. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s seriousness in creating a clean, healthy, and ethical digital space — a vital foundation for nurturing a smart and integrity-driven young generation in the digital era.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, stated that the fight against online gambling is now thorough and systematic, going beyond the mere closure of illegal websites to include the tracking of money flows involved in such transactions. Every month, her ministry submits thousands of bank accounts suspected of involvement in online gambling to the Financial Services Authority (OJK) for further action. This reflects a synergy between law enforcement and financial oversight as two crucial pillars in dismantling the increasingly complex web of digital crime.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is strengthening partnerships with major digital platforms to accelerate the shutdown of access and deactivate accounts that promote online gambling. Meutya clarified that while the authority to close bank accounts lies with agencies such as OJK and PPATK, her ministry focuses on cyber hygiene and content surveillance. This inter-agency collaboration highlights a comprehensive government presence in protecting the public from the destructive financial and moral impacts of online gambling.
These central government efforts are being echoed at the local level. Joni Irwanto, Head of the Communications and Informatics Office of Sanggau Regency, acknowledged the significant challenge of combating online gambling in rural areas, especially as internet access now reaches remote villages. He noted that digital access is not always accompanied by increased digital literacy, particularly among young people, making them vulnerable to online gambling advertisements that often appear on social media or entertainment apps.
Although many gambling websites have already been blocked, new domains keep emerging, making it feel like a never-ending game of “cat and mouse”. To address this, local governments are ramping up digital literacy campaigns across schools, community groups, and social organizations. Education is seen as the primary weapon to protect citizens from the trap of online gambling — emphasizing that it is not only illegal but also destructive to family life and economic stability.
The family unit plays a crucial role in prevention. Parents must be more vigilant about their children’s online activities, including monitoring apps, social media, and frequently visited websites. Family involvement serves as the first line of defense in preventing youth from falling into the world of online gambling. According to Joni, local governments cannot tackle this issue alone without public support, as the fight against online gambling is not merely a legal matter, but a shared moral responsibility.
Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (commonly known as Gus Ipul) revealed that the government has taken firm action by suspending social assistance for over 600,000 recipients who were found to have used their aid accounts for online gambling transactions. This decision was based on investigations conducted with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which uncovered the misuse of welfare funds. For Gus Ipul, this is not just a disciplinary step, but a protective measure to ensure that social aid is used for its intended purpose — improving well-being, not funding harmful habits.
Beneficiaries who still qualify for assistance are allowed to reapply through official channels, either at their local subdistrict offices or via digital apps like Cek Bansos and SIKS-NG. The Ministry of Social Affairs is now aligned with the One Data Indonesia policy, as mandated by Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2025. By integrating data through the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN), managed by Statistics Indonesia (BPS), future welfare distributions are expected to be more accurate, transparent, and equitable.
Reflecting on the first year of President Prabowo’s administration, Gus Ipul noted that the government has laid a strong foundation for a social protection system rooted in integrity and accountability. This new system is not only about data efficiency but also about the moral compass of policymaking — where every rupiah in public funds must deliver real benefits to the poor, not become a loophole for destructive practices like online gambling. This bold step signals the state’s zero tolerance for any misuse that undermines the goals of social welfare.
Online gambling is not just a personal vice, but a collective threat to the nation’s social and economic stability. The government’s increasingly assertive stance in combating this issue reflects its strong commitment to protecting the youth in the digital age. Through cross-sector collaboration among government bodies, financial institutions, and the public, a digital ecosystem free from gambling can be achieved. This firmness is not merely punitive — it is a moral and social investment to ensure that the next generation grows up with integrity, resilience, and freedom from the destructive traps of cyberspace.
*) The author is a social and community affairs analyst.