Jakarta – The Indonesian government has shown a serious commitment to eradicating the practice of Online Gambling (Online Gambling) which is increasingly disturbing the community. Through the police, thousands of perpetrators have been arrested in efforts that have been carried out massively and continuously. This firm step is part of a national strategy to save the nation’s generation from the dangers of digital addiction that threatens the social and economic stability of the community.
The Chief of Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, in a national forum in Yogyakarta revealed that at least 1,248 Online Gamblers have been handled by the police. This figure is not just a statistic, but a reflection of the scale of the emergency that must be addressed immediately. Online Gambling, according to him, is not only a form of digital crime, but also a form of exploitation of the economic conditions of vulnerable communities.
“From the data received, the lower the income of the community, especially with incomes below IDR 1 million or IDR 2 million, they try to increase their income by participating in Online Gambling,” explained General Listyo. This statement illustrates how this illegal practice exploits the economic difficulties of the lower classes as a loophole to expand its reach.
What is more worrying, according to the Chief of Police, is the demographic shift of Online Gambling users, which is now spreading to the age group under 10 years. This is not just a matter of violating the law, but also a serious threat to the future of Indonesia’s young generation. “Seen from age, it is rather worrying. Because what was originally at the age of 20 years, has now entered 10 years and even under 10 years,” he said.
This phenomenon is an alarm for all parties, especially families, educators, and digital communities, to immediately strengthen digital literacy and moral education. The government through the police has taken action, but the success of eradicating Online Gambling also depends on the collective participation of the community in preventing its spread.
These law enforcement efforts are also accompanied by massive socialization to provide an understanding to the public regarding the dangers and negative impacts of Online Gambling, both financially, psychologically, and socially. This is important so that the public is not only afraid because of the law, but is also aware of the real risks that lurk.
This firm action indicates that the state is not remaining silent. Online Gambling is not only an online crime issue, but also a humanitarian issue. With synergy between law enforcement and the community, Indonesia is expected to be able to break the chain of Online Gambling circulation and save the future of the younger generation from the destructive digital trap.
