President Prabowo’s Government Strengthens Regulations to Eradicate Online Gambling in the Country
By: Azalea Permata ) *
The Indonesian government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto continues to strengthen efforts to eradicate online gambling in the country. One important step taken is to tighten regulations and improve coordination between government agencies. President Prabowo emphasized the importance of firmness in handling this problem without giving room for illegal practices that harm the community.
Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, revealed that President Prabowo has given clear direction regarding the eradication of online gambling . The President requested that there be no more collusion or protection against online gamblers . As part of this effort, the government continues to work together across ministries and institutions to ensure that the eradication of online gambling is carried out thoroughly, without time limits. This eradication is considered part of a long-term struggle that requires seriousness, considering the major impact caused by online gambling on society, especially the more vulnerable groups.
The government has also formed a special desk under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs to handle online gambling problems. In concrete steps, a number of employees of the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) were involved in blocking illegal online gambling sites . However, some of them were involved in abuse of authority, which made this case even more serious. The government ensures that strict action will be taken against anyone involved, including those holding strategic positions.
The investigation is ongoing by authorities, with the possibility of new suspects. This incident illustrates the government’s commitment to enforcing the law fairly and impartially. The government ensures that any violations, whether committed by civil servants or other parties, will be processed according to applicable law. This reflects President Prabowo’s determination to combat all forms of illegal practices, including online gambling .
In addition, the Ministry of State Secretary (Kemensesneg) emphasized that the government under the command of President Prabowo will not stop in its efforts to eradicate online gambling . The commitment to resolving this problem also includes eradication down to the level of online gambling bookies .
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, explained that the President’s instructions to combat this practice are clear, and the perpetrators, both within and outside the government, will not escape strict legal action. The government will also coordinate with various law enforcement agencies, including the police and cyber agencies, to tighten supervision and optimize the existing reporting system.
It is hoped that with the steps taken by the government, the existence of online gambling that disturbs the community can be significantly suppressed, and the perpetrators of the crime can be immediately prosecuted in accordance with applicable regulations. President Prabowo emphasized that this is part of the government’s efforts to create a safe society free from the threat of digital crime.
This eradication also received support from various parties. The Main Expert of the Presidential Communications Office, Hariqo Wibawa Satria, stated that the turnover of money generated from online gambling had reached IDR 517 trillion from 2017 to early 2024, which shows how great the losses suffered by the state are. This case has opened the eyes of many parties regarding how damaging the impact of online gambling is to the economy and society of Indonesian society.
The government continues to strive to raise public awareness about the dangers of online gambling and the importance of community contribution in supporting eradication efforts. The government believes that by working together, both between government agencies and with the community, the problem of online gambling can be handled more effectively and thoroughly. With stronger regulations and stricter law enforcement, it is hoped that Indonesia can be free from the problem of online gambling that has harmed many parties.
President Prabowo Subianto also ensured that concrete steps will continue to be taken to strengthen regulations related to online gambling . Follow-up involving various parties is expected to resolve this problem comprehensively. The government is also committed to continuing to educate the public about the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding all forms of gambling that can damage social and economic life.
The government also hopes that the community can jointly monitor and report any activities related to online gambling . Through synergy between the government and the community, it is hoped that efforts to eradicate online gambling can be more effective and provide positive results for the future of Indonesia. This firm action was taken to ensure that Indonesia is free from detrimental practices and maintain the continuity of sustainable development for future generations.
With a strong commitment from President Prabowo and support from all levels of government and society, the eradication of online gambling in Indonesia is expected to be successful. The government believes that stricter regulations, firm law enforcement, and higher public awareness will make a major contribution to realizing a better Indonesia free from online gambling .
)* Public Policy Analyst
