*) By: Raka Prasetya
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting children from the threat of online gambling through nationwide preventive measures, including mass blocking of accounts and content associated with such activities. Online gambling has become a rapidly growing social problem due to easy access, digital penetration, and increased exposure to children, the largest group of internet users. In this context, the government is working to disrupt the online gambling ecosystem, including the Kingdom network, which threatens children’s futures, from upstream digital access to downstream financial flows. These efforts focus not only on enforcement but also on strengthening oversight of the national financial system to prevent it from being exploited by digital gambling networks. Thus, the mass blocking policy is a strategic instrument for maintaining the social and financial resilience of the community, especially children who are vulnerable to being caught in these illegal practices.
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has taken a central role in this effort by requesting banks to aggressively block 30,392 accounts linked to online gambling, an increase from the previous figure of 29,906 accounts. OJK’s Chief Executive for Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae, explained that this measure represents a concrete form of enforcement of regulations and consumer protection in the banking sector. She stated that online gambling has a broad impact on the economy and financial system stability, and therefore, its handling cannot be delayed. In addition to blocking, the OJK also instructed banks to close accounts that match their national identity numbers with accounts suspected of being involved in online gambling activities. To ensure the accuracy of this process, banks are required to implement enhanced due diligence (EDD), a stricter and more comprehensive verification procedure to minimize the risk of misuse.
Dian emphasized that these measures are part of a systematic effort to reduce the potential for public financial losses and to suppress the freedom of online gamblers who exploit the banking system as a source of funds. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) also observes that a number of digital criminals continue to attempt to circumvent the system by using multiple identities and new accounts, making increased vigilance and thoroughness in the verification process crucial. With the EDD, banks can identify suspicious transaction patterns more quickly and accurately. This tightening allows for more effective disruption of online gambling networks and provides additional protection for children, who are often the targets of promotions and manipulation by digital gambling networks.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) continues to strengthen efforts to regulate the digital space as part of the national priority program launched by President Prabowo Subianto. Komdigi’s Director General of Digital Space Supervision, Alexander Sabar, stated that combating online gambling is a long process that requires perseverance, decisiveness, and a multi-layered preventative strategy. He explained that Komdigi implements a digital tracking approach before implementing law enforcement measures to ensure that any action taken has a strong basis. He believes that the digital space must be protected from becoming a medium for the spread of illegal gambling practices that can harm society, especially children and adolescents. The government considers child protection a top priority, therefore, consistent and comprehensive digital monitoring is essential.
Alexander also emphasized that cross-agency coordination is key to tackling online gambling, as this crime operates in a structured manner and is widespread across various platforms. Komdigi continues to strengthen its automated detection system to identify patterns in the distribution of online gambling content and ensure its prompt removal. Furthermore, collaboration with law enforcement and financial institutions is underway to disrupt the operational chain behind online gambling platforms. Alexander also emphasized the importance of a gradual but firm approach in addressing this issue. He stated that these preventative efforts are a crucial foundation for ensuring that the digital space remains safe and free from threats targeting children.
Komdigi’s performance in safeguarding the digital space received praise from members of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), who assessed that the government has shown significant improvement in eradicating online gambling content. Farah Puteri, a member of the DPR RI from the PAN faction, stated that Komdigi’s success in handling more than 3.3 million pieces of negative content, including the majority of online gambling content, is clear evidence.The government’s commitment to the initiative is evident. He emphasized that in the past month alone, Komdigi has successfully blocked 2.4 million online gambling sites and content, an achievement that demonstrates the increased technological capacity and effectiveness of the crawling and sister takedown systems used. He praised the new system for its greater responsiveness and speed in identifying and removing illegal content before it spreads further.
Farah added that the government’s success is evident not only in cutting off digital access, but also in cutting off downstream funding flows through close collaboration with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK). According to him, these two approaches—cutting off upstream digital access and downstream funding flows—are a comprehensive strategy that is highly effective in crippling the online gambling ecosystem. He expressed his appreciation to Minister Komdigi and all relevant institutions for their collaborative work in maintaining the security of the digital space and the national financial system. Farah believes that these decisive government measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting children from the dangers of addiction and exploitation that often occur in online gambling practices.
With these aggressive and collaborative measures, the government hopes to significantly suppress the online gambling ecosystem and minimize the risks posed to children. Mass blocking, strengthening digital monitoring systems, and cross-sector coordination are crucial pillars in creating a safe and healthy digital space. These efforts emphasize that protecting children is not only a moral responsibility but also part of the national strategy to maintain Indonesia’s social sustainability and digital resilience.
*) The author is a contributor to local media.