Prabowo-Gibran Government Attempts to Save Young Generation from Online Gambling Traps
By: Dina Kahyang Putri )*
The government of President Prabowo Subianto together with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka continues to demonstrate its commitment to saving the younger generation from the threat of online gambling which is increasingly rampant.
Concrete steps through the direction of the Head of State have moved various ministries and institutions to take strategic action in eradicating online gambling activities that have the potential to damage the nation’s morals.
Through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), the government has set the eradication of online gambling as one of the main priorities in the short-term work program.
Minister of Komdigi, Meutya Hafid, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to dealing with this problem, not only through blocking content, but also by forming an Online Gambling Handling Working Team. The team involves electronic system organizers and media to ensure that eradication steps run optimally.
More than 10,000 bank accounts suspected of being related to online gambling have been blocked. This step shows the government’s seriousness in cutting off economic access to these illegal activities.
In addition, a public complaint channel has also been prepared to make it easier for the public to report suspicious activities. Minister Meutya emphasized that digital education is an important part of this strategy, including a digital literacy campaign aimed at providing the public with an understanding of the dangers of online gambling.
In an effort to narrow the scope for online gambling, Komdigi is expanding the development of digital infrastructure, such as the 4G Base Transceiver Station (BTS) project in remote villages. Providing equitable internet access aims to create a healthy digital ecosystem free from harmful content. This is also in line with the target of training 100 thousand digital talents by the end of 2024, which is expected to produce a competent and resilient young generation in the digital era.
On the other hand, the problem of online gambling not only has an impact on the digital aspect, but also touches social and family life. Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission X, Mercy Chriesty Barends, expressed concern about the report that around 80,000 children under the age of 10 have been involved in online gambling. According to him, this situation not only threatens the future of the younger generation, but also becomes a serious alarm for the government and society.
Mercy fully supports President Prabowo’s policy which emphasizes strengthening regulations and law enforcement against online gambling perpetrators. He also encourages efforts to increase digital literacy among the community as a preventive measure.
According to Mercy, education for children and families must be a priority through national campaigns and local community involvement. An educational curriculum that focuses on digital ethics and the dangers of online gambling is also proposed as one of the long-term solutions.
In addition to the prevention aspect, Mercy considers that a rehabilitative approach for children who have been trapped in online gambling requires more attention. Psychological services and assistance must be provided to help them recover from the negative impacts of this activity.
Cross-sector synergy between related ministries, such as the Ministry of Education and Komdigi, is needed to ensure comprehensive handling. He emphasized the importance of the involvement of families, communities, and educational institutions in efforts to fortify the younger generation from this threat.
Chairman of the Golkar Party Faction, Muhammad Sarmuji, highlighted the importance of eradicating online gambling in the context of maintaining the economy and mentality of the younger generation. He stated that the Golkar Party Faction fully supports President Prabowo Subianto’s direction to immediately address this problem comprehensively. According to him, synergy between the government, law enforcement officers, and the community is the key to success in building an environment free from the negative influence of online gambling.
Sarmuji also assessed that online gambling not only has an impact on the moral damage of the younger generation but also hinders the nation’s economic growth. Therefore, he pushed for a more assertive and inclusive policy to eradicate online gambling, including involving all elements of society in its implementation.
The strategic steps taken by the Prabowo-Gibran government show that the Head of State’s direction is not just discourse, but is realized through real work. Handling online gambling is an important foundation in building a better Indonesia, not only in terms of morals but also economy. With cross-sector collaboration, the nation’s digital future is directed towards a safe, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem.
It is undeniable that online gambling has targeted various groups, including children, who are exposed to this danger through easily accessible applications or sites. The government realizes that mass resolution cannot be done only by blocking, but also requires prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
This is a strong reason for the Prabowo-Gibran government to involve all stakeholders, from ministries, educational institutions, local communities, to parents.
The success of eradicating online gambling will also contribute to the creation of a young generation that has integrity, is free from bad influences, and is able to become the driving force of national development.
The Prabowo-Gibran government has established a solid foundation in efforts to save the future of the next generation through policies that support morality, education, and potential development.
With strong determination and planned strategic steps, the government continues to strive to protect the younger generation from the threat of online gambling. Collaboration between parties, community support, and cross-sector synergy are major assets to create a healthy, safe, and productive digital ecosystem. These efforts reflect the vision of the government that is oriented towards the welfare of the nation and a brighter future for the younger generation.
)* contributor Persada Institute
