By: Alfisyah Dianasari )*
The government has shown a real commitment to eradicating online gambling through various strategic steps, both bilaterally and internally. Coordinated actions between the National Police and related institutions in the country, as well as cross-country cooperation such as with the Cambodian Police, emphasize the seriousness in saving Indonesian citizens from the increasingly rampant illegal industry trap.
This step is not only a form of protection for the community, but also an invitation to all parties to be more vigilant, not tempted by the lure of large income from illegal activities, and to be more active in preventive efforts to protect the future of the nation’s generation.
The collaboration built by the National Police’s International Relations Division with the Cambodia National Police reflects the urgency to overcome the rampant online gambling and digital fraud activities that ensnare Indonesian citizens in Southeast Asia.
Brigadier General Untung Widyatmoko from the NCB Interpol Secretariat, National Police’s Divhubinter, revealed that many Indonesian citizens are known to work in the digital industry sector which in Indonesia is included in the prohibited category such as online gambling, online fraud, and other cyber criminal activities.
On that basis, a bilateral meeting was held on April 7-13, 2025 in Phnom Penh, Poipet, Bavet, and Sihanoukville, led directly by the Head of the Indonesian National Police’s Divhubinter Inspector General Krishna Murti and accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the CNP Major General Pheanuk Kolkomar, and involving representatives from the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh and the International Cooperation CNP.
In the meeting, it was agreed on the importance of exchanging information and preventing the arrival of transnational criminal operators. In addition, both parties agreed to strengthen synergy to save Indonesian citizens who are victims of the online fraud industry. This step confirms a joint commitment to eradicating transnational crimes that have often taken refuge behind national borders.
Head of BP3MI Riau Islands Senior Commissioner Imam Riyadi emphasized that the process of repatriating Indonesian migrant workers from Cambodia must go through the official channels of the central government coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Imam also appealed to the public not to be tempted to work in countries that are not official destinations for the placement of Indonesian migrant workers such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The lure of high wages is not commensurate with the risks faced, especially if involved in an illegal and exploitative industry.
On the other hand, the Financial Services Authority has shown an active role in supporting the eradication of online gambling which has a wide impact on the financial system. The Chief Executive of OJK Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae stated that as many as 10,016 bank accounts have been requested to be blocked based on data submitted by the Ministry of Communication and Digital.
This blocking was carried out in line with further tracing efforts by asking banks to close accounts that match the Population Identification Number and implementing a further verification process through the Enhanced Due Diligence method.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Business Conduct Supervision, Education, and Consumer Protection of OJK, Frederica Widyasari Dewi explained that from early January to the end of March 2025, there were 1,236 public complaints regarding illegal entities, with 1,081 cases involving illegal online loans and 155 cases related to illegal investments.
Protection efforts were also strengthened through the Illegal Financial Activity Eradication Task Force (Satgas PASTI), which during that period succeeded in stopping 1,123 illegal online loan entities and 209 illegal investment offers spread through websites and applications.
The PASTI Task Force also tracked and submitted a blocking request for 1,643 debt collector contact numbers from illegal loan platforms to the Ministry of Communication and Digital. To further optimize handling, OJK together with partners from the banking and payment system industry sectors established the Indonesia Anti-Scam Center (IASC).
This institution has received 79,969 reports, both submitted by victims directly and through financial sector business actors. Of that number, 82,336 accounts were reported, with 35,394 of them having been blocked. The recorded loss value reached IDR 1.7 trillion, while the funds that were successfully frozen reached IDR 134.7 billion. IASC will continue to strengthen its capacity in accelerating the handling of increasingly complex financial sector fraud cases.
Efforts to eradicate online gambling also received support from local governments. In Jambi Province, Governor Al Haris together with the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) invited thousands of high school students and equivalent to jointly declare their rejection of all forms of online gambling.
Al Haris emphasized that this anti-online gambling movement is not merely symbolic, but must be a joint agreement to createa better future for Jambi students. He asked for a real commitment from students not to be tempted by gambling, even with small amounts, in order to maintain their hopes and potential as the next generation.
The government’s firm action in eradicating online gambling is real proof of its commitment to protecting society from the clutches of digital crime. Cross-country collaboration, blocking illegal accounts, and education among students show a comprehensive approach that not only takes action, but also prevents.
It is time for all parties to take part, protecting themselves, their families, and the environment from the influence of online gambling. With joint steps, Indonesia can create a safe, healthy, and productive digital ecosystem. Let’s support the government’s efforts by not giving space for this illegal practice to develop. Say no to gambling, for a brighter future.
)* The author is a contributor to the Advanced Indonesian Youth Network (JMIM)
