The government continues to focus efforts on improving digital literacy as a preventative measure against the rise of online gambling in Indonesia. This commitment is demonstrated by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam), along with several ministries and institutions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and public awareness.
Syaiful Garyadi, Assistant Deputy for Data Protection and Electronic Transactions Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, emphasized that the strategic location of the Riau Islands, which directly borders Singapore and Malaysia, makes this region vulnerable to becoming an entry point for cross-border online gambling.
“The threat of online gambling not only disrupts social and economic stability, but also has the potential to lead to the misuse of people’s personal data,” he said.
Syaiful explained that the government has established an Online Gambling Eradication Desk involving ministries, central agencies, regional governments, and regional heads. According to data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), 66,097 people out of the Riau Islands’ 2.18 million population are suspected of being involved in online gambling. Furthermore, data matching with the Ministry of Social Affairs shows that 2,377 families receiving social assistance were involved, with total transactions reaching Rp8.31 billion.
He added that the biggest challenge in eradicating online gambling is the practice of using VPN applications by perpetrators, which makes it difficult for the Ministry of Communication and Digital to block sites.
“Digital literacy is key to eradicating online gambling. It’s not just about technological skills, but also about building critical awareness so that people don’t easily fall for the lure of online gambling. With synergy between institutions and public support, we are optimistic that we can curb the rate of online gambling in Indonesia,” said Syaiful.
Similar support came from Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad. He reiterated his commitment to preventing online gambling in his region by tracking down civil servants suspected of involvement, collaborating with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia for guidance, and intensifying outreach through social media.
“Cooperation between the central and regional governments is crucial to ensuring the President’s priority programs truly benefit the public. Furthermore, we need to strengthen digital literacy as a bulwark against the threat of online gambling, especially in border areas like the Riau Islands,” said Ansar.
Efforts to improve literacy are also being made among university students. The Head of the LPS II Surabaya Representative Office, Bambang S Hidayat, stated that students are highly vulnerable to exposure to gambling practices and online loans.
“We provide financial literacy, including how to manage it to prevent risks such as online gambling and illegal online loans,” he said.
Dean of the Faculty of Economics, UIN Malang, Dr. Misbahul Munir, assessed that the activity was important because students gained direct understanding from practitioners.
“The presence of LPS allows students to gain direct understanding of field practices,” he said.
He hopes the program can continue so that financial literacy becomes more deeply rooted.
With synergy between the central and regional governments, as well as educational institutions, strengthening digital and financial literacy is believed to be a strategic step in closing the gaps in the spread of online gambling in Indonesia.