Jakarta – The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the increasingly widespread practice of online gambling, which is causing public concern. Starting in October 2025, the government will fully operate the Analysis and Monitoring System (SAMAN), a technology specifically designed to strengthen digital space oversight.
The Director General of Digital Space Oversight at the Komdigi Ministry, Alexander Sabar, explained that the system has undergone a year-long trial and is ready for optimal use. “With input from digital platform operators and internal evaluations, we hope this system will run smoothly, close existing loopholes, and the SAMAN system will be fully operational next month,” he said in Jakarta.
Alexander emphasized that online gambling is not simply a violation of the law, but a serious threat capable of destroying social order. He warned of the negative impacts, ranging from the destruction of households, loss of property, to endangering the future of the younger generation.
Komdigi data shows the scale of the problem is not small. Between October 20, 2024, and September 16, 2025, more than 2.8 million pieces of negative content were successfully addressed. Of this number, approximately 2.1 million pieces were directly related to gambling. “This figure demonstrates the massive threat we face in the digital space,” Alexander explained.
He added that this effort is not intended to limit the public’s democratic space. The government, he stated, continues to guarantee freedom of criticism, aspirations, and expression. However, illegal and dangerous content such as online gambling must be firmly eradicated.
Furthermore, Alexander urged the entire public to play an active role in safeguarding the digital space. He emphasized the importance of cross-stakeholder collaboration to make these eradication measures more effective. “With collaboration between the government, digital platforms, and the public, we are confident that Indonesia’s digital space can be maintained as a healthy, productive space that supports the nation’s progress,” he concluded.
Through the SAMAN system, the government demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing an information technology approach to protect the public from the threat of online gambling. However, public support remains key to ensuring Indonesia’s digital space is truly free from these destructive practices.