JAKARTA — The Indonesian National Police (Polri)’s hard work in eradicating online gambling practices has received appreciation from various groups. Polri’s achievement in uncovering online gambling cases throughout 2024 deserves a thumbs up.
The founder of the Haidar Alwi Institute (HAI), R. Haidar Alwi, praised the firm and progressive steps taken by the National Police, which were considered to have demonstrated extraordinary performance in handling digital gambling cases that are increasingly disturbing the public.
“The National Police are on the right track in enforcing the law. In order to eradicate online gambling more effectively, the success of the National Police must be balanced with massive preventive measures,” he said.
Haidar also reminded that success in law enforcement is not enough if it is not accompanied by comprehensive prevention efforts. According to him, online gambling will continue to grow if it is only burdened on law enforcement officers.
“The success of the Police in enforcing the law in online gambling cases deserves appreciation. I agree with PPATK, the high negative sentiment towards the Police is answered with achievements,” he said.
Based on PPATK data, the money turnover from online gambling activities in 2025 is estimated to reach IDR 1,200 trillion, a sharp increase compared to IDR 981 trillion in 2024. The number of players is also estimated to reach 8.8 million people, the majority from the lower middle class.
“As a result, online gambling is getting crazier. The proof is that the amount of money turnover from this practice has increased,” said Haidar.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Ivan Yustiavandana, also acknowledged the effectiveness of the Police’s performance in cracking down on digital crimes. The Police even confiscated various evidence worth more than Rp61 billion, including land, buildings, luxury vehicles, jewelry, electronic devices, and a number of accounts and gold bars.
“Eradicating online gambling is not only the task of the Police, but a shared responsibility to save the nation’s generation. All elements of the nation are expected to work together in building public awareness and strengthening the prevention system,” he said.
Data shows that during 2024, the National Police managed to uncover 1,611 online gambling cases with the number of suspects reaching 1,918 people. Of these cases, 343 were successfully resolved, while the rest are still under investigation. Moreover, the National Police have also submitted a request to block 126,448 online gambling sites that are considered to be damaging to the morals and social order of society.
