Collaboration between Government and Private Sector: The Right Step to Combat Online Gambling
By: Andi Mahesa )*
In this fast-paced digital era, problems related to the misuse of technology for detrimental purposes, such as online gambling, are increasingly worrying. Online gambling, which used to be often done in hidden places, can now be easily accessed via mobile devices, so its impact is even wider. Not only targeting certain groups, but also threatening the younger generation who are vulnerable to temptation.
However, in the midst of these challenges, the government together with the private sector are now increasingly collaborating to eradicate online gambling, through a more comprehensive and comprehensive approach. One collaborative effort that deserves appreciation is the initiative initiated by the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), which involves large digital platforms such as Gojek, Google, and TikTok, in combating this illegal practice.
The government, through a statement by Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital, stated that eradicating online gambling is not a job that can be completed in a short time. She emphasized that this is “continuous work” that requires the involvement of various parties, including stakeholders from the private sector. In this case, the government is very aware that without support from the private sector, especially large technology companies that have wide access to the public, the eradication of online gambling will be very limited.
Gojek, Google, and TikTok are some examples of platforms that play an important role in this alliance. Meutya Hafid also added that in addition to the technological approach, education for the public is very important. Therefore, through these platforms, the campaign to increase public awareness about the dangers of online gambling is increasingly massive. Gojek, for example, involves its driver partners as agents of change who directly interact with the public. Through education in the field, they can convey messages about the dangers of online gambling and prevent people from falling into this detrimental practice.
GoTo’s President Director, Patrick Walujo, said that the formation of the Gambling Alliance is definitely a loss as a follow-up to GoPay’s commitment to eradicating online gambling. According to him, eradicating online gambling requires the participation of all parties, both the government, the private sector, and the community itself.
This alliance aims to unite the strengths of various parties in creating an educational campaign that is easy to understand and can reach all levels of society. In addition, the Gambling Alliance is also focused on empowering families as the first line of defense in preventing family members from falling into online gambling.
This kind of alliance is indeed very important, because the problem of online gambling is not only related to law and technology, but also to the culture and mindset of society. One of the strategies initiated is through a family approach, with the hope that family members can remind each other and help each other to avoid the dangers of online gambling. Education from the family is a strong foundation for building awareness and concern for the dangers of online gambling. The community is expected to be more open to each other in identifying and discussing this problem, both individually and in the family environment.
In addition to the educational approach, technology also plays an important role in eradicating online gambling. Meutya Hafid said that the technological approach must be utilized optimally to block illegal online gambling sites and protect people’s personal data. Gojek, for example, not only focuses on education, but also provides a secure platform for financial transactions that are not related to online gambling. In this way, they help minimize the chances of online gambling practices that are often related to undetected financial transactions.
Google and TikTok also play a major role in monitoring and blocking online gambling ads that often appear on their platforms. Google, with its sophisticated algorithm, can detect and block ads that lead to online gambling promotions. Meanwhile, TikTok, which has users from various groups, especially young people, is also trying to educate and filter content that has the potential to be damaging.
Although collaboration between the government and the private sector is a very positive step, the challenges in eradicating online gambling are still great. One of the main challenges is the movement of online gambling which continues to grow and adapt to technology. Gambling sites often change their names and addresses to avoid being blocked, and gambling applications are increasingly difficult to track. However, with closer cooperation between the government, digital platforms, and the community, it is hoped that the fight against online gambling can be more effective.
For this reason, the community must also be more vigilant
