Working Together to Break the Chain of Online Gambling to Save the Future of the Nation
By: Agung Priyatna )*
Eradicating online gambling continues to be a major challenge in Indonesia. This illegal practice is not only financially detrimental but also damages the joints of people’s lives. In recent cases, a number of community elements and institutions have been involved in eradicating Online Gambling in order to save the future of the nation.
In Lebak Regency, Banten, the Lebak District Attorney’s Office (Kejari) arrested two employees of a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) bank for allegedly misusing credit funds for personal interests, including online gambling. The two suspects, with the initials IT and KH, who are respectively a credit officer and head of the bank unit, were detained by the investigation team on suspicion of credit disbursement irregularities.
According to the Head of the Special Crimes Section (Kasi Pidsus) of the Lebak-Banten District Attorney’s Office, Irfano Rukmana Rachim, the two perpetrators used customer data to disburse credit which was then used for personal needs. This modus operandi is known in banking terms as “mask credit” or “credit kempilan,” where customer data is misused to smooth transactions. Their actions, which have been going on since 2021, have resulted in bank losses of more than IDR 1 billion.
The phenomenon of online gambling has also become a serious concern in North Sumatra. The North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda) reported the arrest of seven people related to online gambling activities in an operation that lasted for eight days in December 2024. Of the total perpetrators, five people acted as players, while the other two acted as agents.
During the raid, officers seized various pieces of evidence, such as computer devices, monitors, mobile phones, and cash. The evidence shows how technology is used to support this illegal practice. Slot gambling, a popular form of online gambling, is said to be the type of game played by the perpetrators. The police believe that this type of game is damaging to social order and has the potential to trap people in addiction.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Dr. Amirsyah Tambunan, expressed his full support for the government’s efforts to eradicate online gambling and illegal online loans. According to him, these practices have triggered various negative impacts, ranging from family conflicts to criminal acts. He added that the design of the online gambling system was deliberately made to create dependency on its victims.
Amirsyah also appreciated the synergy between the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and community organizations in handling this issue. However, he admitted that there are still many people who are not protected from the trap of online gambling and illegal online loans.
The public now has an additional channel to report online gambling activities through the Indonesian Emas Forum. This community organization was formed due to public concern about the rampant online gambling that is increasingly disrupting social life. This forum provides various platforms, such as WhatsApp, email, Instagram, and Telegram, to make it easier for the public to report suspicious transactions related to online gambling.
Reports from the public are important data in eradicating the increasingly sophisticated online gambling network. With collaboration from all parties, from law enforcement, government, to the community, it is hoped that this illegal practice can be eradicated to its roots.
Online gambling has caused losses that are not only material but also moral. Economically, the funds wasted through this activity often come from irresponsible loans, as happened in the case in Lebak. The perpetrators used funds that should have been used for productive purposes, but instead spent them on gambling.
The social impact is even more worrying. Conflicts within families often stem from economic pressures due to online gambling addiction. In addition, criminal cases triggered by online gambling, such as theft or embezzlement, are increasingly common.
Eradicating online gambling is not enough to rely only on law enforcement. Preventive and educational efforts must also be a priority. The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Information, continues to try to block online gambling sites, but this action needs to be accompanied by increasing digital literacy in the community.
The public is expected to be aware and understand that online gambling is not only illegal, but also destroys the future. Socialization about the dangers of online gambling needs to be done massively, especially among the younger generation who are the main targets of the perpetrators.
Eradicating online gambling requires synergy from all elements of society. Law enforcers must act firmly against perpetrators, while religious and community organizations can play a role in providing education and prevention. On the other hand, individuals must also be aware of distancing themselves from this illegal activity.
The Indonesia Emas Forum is a concrete example of community participation in combating online gambling. By providing an easily accessible complaint channel, this forum helps the community to be more active in reporting suspicious cases.
With the increasing collective awareness of the dangers of online gambling, it is hoped that this practice can be eradicated completely. The government and society must continue to work together to break the chain of online gambling in order to create a better future for the nation.
Efforts to eradicate online gambling are not only about enforcing the law, but also building a more dignified civilization. With strong collaboration, Indonesia can be free from the trap of online gambling that damages the next generation.
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Gold Forum
