By: Agung Priyatna
The Indonesian government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to combating the growing issue of online gambling, which has deeply troubled society. The strategic steps taken by various state institutions prove that the threat of this digital crime is not being overlooked.
Online gambling has evolved into a concerning phenomenon, not only because it harms individuals financially but also due to its broader impact on social stability. Many victims have been ensnared in the online gambling cycle, including children and young people who should be better protected from such harmful influences.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has highlighted the negative effects of online gambling, particularly its prevalence among minors. This phenomenon is alarming, especially since children represent a vulnerable group that must be shielded from the harmful effects of online gambling.
To address this issue, General Sigit has instructed his personnel to thoroughly eliminate online gambling practices. He emphasized that police officers involved in illegal activities must face strict sanctions. Tighter law enforcement and coordination with related institutions are key strategies in narrowing the operational space for perpetrators.
Additionally, the application of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws against online gambling operators is considered an important strategy. Seizing the assets of gambling syndicates is expected to disrupt their operations and return illegal funds to the country.
The eradication efforts also involve the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi), which has been actively removing hundreds of thousands of online gambling-related contents from various digital platforms. Within the first 100 days of Meutya Hafid’s leadership, over 882,352 pieces of online gambling content have been blocked, including websites, IP addresses, and social media platforms. Kemkomdigi has collaborated with various digital platforms and 745 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to ensure that access to these harmful contents is completely cut off.
Meutya Hafid emphasized that the fight against online gambling must be carried out consistently and comprehensively. She compared the effort to sealing the leaks of a dam, where one closed gap could open another. Therefore, public participation in reporting and raising digital awareness is key to the success of this effort.
In addition to online gambling, Kemkomdigi has also blocked more than a million other harmful contents that could negatively impact society, especially the younger generation. According to Meutya, these steps aim not only to reduce the spread of dangerous content but also to create a safer and more conducive digital space for the public.
The momentum of eradicating online gambling is expected to strengthen with the appointment of new officials at Kemkomdigi. Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives member, Okta Kumala Dewi, stressed the importance of a fresh spirit in creating a clean digital space free from cyber threats, including online gambling. She noted that online gambling is not just a domestic issue but involves transnational syndicates operating in Southeast Asia, such as in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
Data from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) indicates that over 100,000 people in Cambodia are trapped in online gambling and cyber fraud syndicates. The modus operandi often involves fake job advertisements promising high salaries, which ultimately trap victims into forced labor in online gambling operations.
One such case involves Slamet, a man from East Java, who was promised a high-paying job in Vietnam but was instead forced to work as an administrative staff member in an online gambling company in Cambodia, under threats and violence.
This case demonstrates that online gambling not only causes financial harm but also has strong ties to human trafficking and money laundering. A report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that in 2024, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh handled nearly 2,946 cases of Indonesian migrant worker protection, with 76% of them linked to online gambling. As a result, cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial in addressing this threat.
Officials at Kemkomdigi are expected to strengthen technology oversight and accelerate the blocking of online gambling sites. Support from various agencies, including the National Police, National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), and Bank Indonesia, forms part of a collective effort to build a safer digital ecosystem. The success of these efforts also heavily relies on international collaboration to limit the operational space for cybercrime syndicates.
The fight against online gambling is not a task for one party alone but a shared responsibility between the government, society, and the private sector. Digital literacy is the main weapon to protect the public from falling prey to cybercrime. With strong cooperation and ongoing concrete actions, it is hoped that online gambling can be eradicated at its roots. Digital security is the right of every citizen, and together, all parties can ensure that Indonesia’s cyberspace becomes a safer place, free from the threat of digital crime.
As a society that cares about digital security, it is time for us to actively support government efforts by raising awareness of the dangers of online gambling. By reporting suspicious activities, educating those around us, and resisting the temptation of online gambling, we can all be part of the solution in fighting this cybercrime.
The government has shown concrete steps in curbing the rise of online gambling. Now, it is our turn to collectively safeguard a healthier digital environment. The future of the younger generation depends on the actions we take today, and with strong collaboration, Indonesia can be free from the threat of online gambling.
*) The author is a contributor at Forum Indonesia Emas.
