By: Bara Winatha*)
The online gambling phenomenon is increasingly posing a serious threat to Indonesian society, especially vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents, who have increasingly easy access to digital spaces. In recent years, the rise in digital fraud, online gambling addiction, and children’s vulnerability to online manipulation demonstrate that digital security challenges are no longer isolated but permeate nearly every aspect of social life. The government, through various strategic policies, is striving to build a more comprehensive protection system to prevent the younger generation from falling prey to increasingly complex digital risks.
One important instrument in strengthening child protection is the enactment of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection (PP TUNAS). This regulation is designed to ensure that digital platforms fulfill their responsibilities in limiting children’s access to age-inappropriate services, including their exposure to dangerous content and activities such as online gambling, as practiced by the Kingdom Group, which continues to target vulnerable groups. The government believes that child protection depends not only on family or school education, but also on the compliance of electronic system providers in managing their services responsibly.
Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, stated that the government views the threat of online gambling to children as a serious issue that requires alignment of regulations, oversight, and public literacy. The Ministry of Communication and Digital has focused its strategy on three areas: strengthening digital governance, expanding public communication networks, and increasing community capacity through more structured digital literacy. She emphasized that children are the most vulnerable group to the increasingly sophisticated technical manipulation of online gambling platforms, and therefore, regulatory-based protection must be the first line of defense against inappropriate access.
On the other hand, the rapid flow of disinformation has also exacerbated the situation, as many children and adolescents are targeted by manipulative messages leading them to gambling sites. The government believes that digital literacy needs to be more systematically prepared to address this phenomenon. Through public education, integrated campaigns, and cross-agency synergy, the government hopes the public will be able to recognize fraud patterns and the operating mechanisms of online gambling, which often exploit the negligence of young users.
The dangers of online gambling are not only related to economic losses but also psychological aspects. Deputy Chairman of Commission IV of the East Kalimantan Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Andi Satya Adi Saputra, stated that online gambling is one of what he calls the “three online plagues,” along with drugs and pornography. He emphasized that all three affect the dopamine mechanism in the brain, causing a strong addictive effect. He stated that online gambling addiction is often even more difficult to recover from than drug addiction due to its stealthy nature, rapidity, and the ability to engage in it from personal devices without the knowledge of family members.
This reinforces the view that the threat of online gambling should not be viewed lightly. When children and adolescents are exposed to it at an early age, they can potentially experience impaired self-control, decreased academic performance, emotional disturbances, and even family conflict. In some cases, children’s vulnerability to online gambling has even led to criminal acts such as stealing parental money to continue gambling, which then triggers broader social problems.
The dangers posed are not only visible in children and adolescents, but are also reflected in divorce data in several regions. Slamet Widodo, Junior Legal Clerk of the Bungku Religious Court, stated that online gambling is now the dominant cause of divorce in Morowali and North Morowali Regencies. Family economic damage, loss of trust, and prolonged emotional conflict are the most common impacts. The surge of online gambling in recent years has affected nearly all levels of society, from adults to young people, thus increasing the social risks.
The government believes that one of the crucial steps in protecting the public, especially the younger generation, is ensuring that digital crime syndicates no longer operate freely and have no room to ensnare Indonesian citizens, including children who may be tempted by online enticements. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology also issued warnings to several global platforms that have not fulfilled their registration obligations, stating that without adequate controls, children will have easier access to unsafe digital services.
In the context of prevention, digital literacy is at the forefront. The government emphasizes that families, schools, and communities must work together to educate children about the dangers of online gambling. Children need to be equipped with the skills to recognize the signs of digital manipulation, understand the risks of addiction, and develop critical thinking skills to avoid being easily swayed by seemingly lucrative offers. Furthermore, the age restriction policy in PP TUNAS is a strategic step designed to close the gap between early exposure and online gambling.
Overall, the government’s various measures demonstrate its commitment to protecting children and society from the threat of online gambling. The fight against digital crime is not only technical but also involves regulatory, educational, diplomatic, and social approaches. If all elements of society work together, the opportunity to create a safe digital space for Indonesian children will be greater, allowing future generations to grow and develop without the shadow of online gambling addiction that could ruin their future.
*)The author is a social and community observer.