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Appreciating the Integrated Efforts of State Institutions to Eradicate Online Gambling

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By: Andika Pratama

The widespread practice of online gambling in Indonesia is not only a moral and social issue but has become a serious threat to economic resilience and national digital security. Increasingly sophisticated modus operandi, cross-border networks, and involvement of bank accounts and digital wallets make this practice no longer manageable by a single institution acting alone. In this context, the importance of cross-agency collaboration to address online gambling with a systemic and comprehensive approach is clear.

Enforcement against online gambling cannot be conducted sporadically or partially. The Chief Executive of Banking Supervision at the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Dian Ediana Rae, emphasizes that the approach must cover all aspects: prevention, education, detection, and enforcement. It is insufficient to rely solely on bilateral cooperation, such as between OJK and the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi); collective synergy involving all supervisory and law enforcement components is needed.

The blocking of accounts suspected of being linked to online gambling is an important step taken by OJK together with banks. According to Komdigi data, around 17,000 accounts have been blocked due to suspicions of involvement in online gambling transactions. However, this technical work will only be effective if supported by a strong identification system. The use of parameters to detect suspicious activities, customer analysis, and supervision of dormant accounts are all part of the strengthened financial oversight system.

Furthermore, the systemic approach also touches on regulatory aspects. There are still loopholes in the financial system that online gambling perpetrators can exploit. Therefore, intensive meetings between OJK and compliance directors from various banks are crucial to formulate more ideal regulations. The goal is to improve mechanisms for identifying suspicious accounts and strengthen enhanced due diligence as part of accountable financial governance.

Equally important is public education. Effective collaboration also involves local governments, mass media, and educational institutions in campaigning against the dangers of online gambling. Eradication will never fully succeed without public awareness as the front line. Knowledge about the destructive impacts of online gambling on family economics, individual mental stability, and potential involvement in other crimes such as money laundering needs to be instilled from an early age.

From a criminal regulation perspective, the role of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) is also vital. In 2024, PPATK temporarily suspended over 28,000 dormant accounts suspected of being involved in online gambling practices. This step is not only based on suspicion but also part of the implementation of Law Number 8 of 2010 on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering Crimes. This legal approach affirms that online gambling is not just an ethical violation but a criminal act with serious legal consequences.

PPATK Chief Ivan Yustiavandana explains that the suspension of dormant accounts is part of the National Movement for the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing. This means that online gambling has been identified as one of the links in organized crime that must be thoroughly destroyed. Therefore, cooperation between PPATK, OJK, Komdigi, and law enforcement agencies is the main foundation for creating a solid detection and prevention system.

However, this cross-agency work requires strengthening in coordination, role distribution, as well as budget and technology support. Once each institution moves independently, the next challenge is how to create an integrated, fast, and accurate coordination mechanism. This is because online gambling perpetrators often exploit gaps in inter-agency coordination systems, especially in transferring funds between accounts or disguising financial activities through complicated digital transactions.

In the long term, handling online gambling must become part of the grand design of the national digital security system. Indonesia needs a centralized command center that can unify data, policies, and instant responses from various agencies. Such integration can also be developed through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and digital forensic analysis to make enforcement efforts more precise and efficient.

It is also important for financial institutions to update their security and customer identification systems. Matching account numbers with national identification numbers (NIK), dual verification in account opening, and enhanced training for bank officers on detecting suspicious transactions will close opportunities for online gambling perpetrators to maneuver.

Handling online gambling is essentially a real test of the state institutions’ capacity to uphold digital and legal sovereignty. With good coordination, strong commitment, and progressive regulatory improvements, Indonesia has a great chance to break the chain of online gambling practices that damage the nation’s future. Cross-agency collaboration is not only a necessity but the only way to ensure that Indonesia’s digital space remains healthy, safe, and beneficial for all citizens.

The author is an anti-online gambling activist

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