Appreciating Security Forces for Busting Online Gambling “Dice Throw” to Protect the Young Generation
By: Andi Mahesa
Online gambling has become an increasingly concerning social issue, particularly amid the rapid technological advancements and digitalization that make access to illegal activities easier. Recently, law enforcement successfully dismantled an online gambling operation involving a dice throw game that was operating in the Yogyakarta and Pati regions of Central Java. The arrest of seven suspects, who boldly conducted live broadcasts on TikTok, revealed the significant impact that online gambling has on society, including children and teenagers.
According to the Head of the Cybercrime Subdivision at the Yogyakarta Police, AKBP Slamet Riyanto, the seven arrested individuals were part of two groups that had been running the online gambling operation for about five months. During this period, they generated daily revenues of between IDR 2 million and IDR 3 million. The modus operandi they used was simple but cunning. The perpetrators instructed participants to deposit at least IDR 50,000 into a prepared account and then bet based on the outcome of a dice throw, which they broadcast live on TikTok. This phenomenon shows that online gambling practices are no longer confined to specialized websites or apps but have also infiltrated social media platforms widely used by the public, including children.
This incident underscores the dangers of online gambling, which is becoming increasingly difficult to detect. The decisive action taken by the police in breaking up this network demonstrates that the government and security forces are not standing idle in their efforts to combat digital crimes that disrupt the social order. AKBP Slamet further emphasized that his team would continue investigating and taking action against the growing prevalence of online gambling in society.
Meanwhile, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has reminded the public about the serious dangers of online gambling. He has repeatedly stated that online gambling does not only target adults but also preys on children who are not yet mature enough to understand the harmful effects of gambling addiction. This phenomenon is a consequence of the rapid development of digital technology, which, despite offering many conveniences, also poses significant threats, particularly to the younger generation.
Online gambling addiction among children and teenagers has the potential to ruin their future. In many cases, gambling addiction disrupts their education, decreases the quality of social interactions, and exacerbates mental and emotional conditions. Those trapped in online gambling may experience financial crises, borrow money from parents or friends, and even resort to criminal activities. In this regard, the role of the family is crucial. The National Police Chief emphasized that online gambling prevention must start from the family environment. Parents must be more vigilant about behavioral changes in their children and actively monitor their use of digital devices.
However, the role of the family alone is not enough. This issue must be addressed comprehensively by all segments of society, including the government, educational institutions, and, of course, the mass media. The government, through security forces, has already shown its seriousness in fighting this gambling practice by conducting operations and arrests of the perpetrators.
On the other hand, campaigns to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of online gambling must continue to be intensified. The government also needs to strengthen existing regulations to ensure that efforts to combat online gambling are more effective, especially given the vast number of digital platforms that can be easily misused for illegal purposes.
The success of the police in dismantling this dice throw online gambling operation should be appreciated as a tangible example of the government’s commitment to fighting cybercrimes. Behind this operation lies a systematic effort by the police to identify and expose the online gambling networks that have been operating behind the scenes. The Yogyakarta Police and Central Java Police have shown their courage and perseverance in carrying out this task, utilizing technology and expertise in cybercrime to identify and capture the perpetrators.
In addition to enforcement, the government must also focus on preventive measures. The public needs to be given a deeper understanding of the risks and impacts of online gambling. Through information campaigns involving various communication channels, whether in schools, on social media, or government programs, it is hoped that society will become more aware and protected from the dangers of gambling.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also stressed the importance of collaboration among all parties to prevent online gambling. Therefore, in addition to strict law enforcement, we all need to work together to address this issue. The government, security forces, and society must form the first line of defense to protect the younger generation from the traps of online gambling.
Online gambling practices not only harm the individuals involved but also threaten the future of society, especially the younger generation. The public must realize that this is not just a personal issue but a social problem that must be faced collectively. Therefore, it is hoped that society will support the government and security forces’ efforts to combat online gambling and strengthen surveillance within the family environment.
All parties, including the government, society, and the media, must continue to actively combat this illegal practice. With firm action and solid cooperation, we can prevent the spread of the negative effects of online gambling and create a healthier, safer, and more productive society. It is time to strengthen the culture of digital awareness and social responsibility to protect the future of our children and youth from the dangers of online gambling.
) The author is a student living in Jakarta.*
