Jakarta — The government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has recorded significant achievements in eradicating online gambling practices. Until the middle of this year, as many as 2 million contents related to online gambling activities have been successfully blocked from the national digital space. This firm step shows the government’s commitment to creating a healthy and safe digital ecosystem for all levels of society, especially children and teenagers who are vulnerable to being targeted by this illegal industry.
The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, said that this success was not the end of the struggle, but the beginning of a more comprehensive strategy.
“The main strategy is not only to take down, although Komdigi will continue to supervise and take action in the digital realm,” said Meutya.
She emphasized that blocking sites is only one part of an effort that must be complemented by education and reducing public demand for online gambling. According to her, eradication will be more effective if the public also actively rejects and stays away from this practice.
Meutya emphasized that online gambling has now developed into a separate industry that relies on consumers as its driving force. Therefore, prevention efforts must also start from the community itself.
“This is an industry. If there are always enthusiasts or consumers, then there will always be room for them to develop. So we must also fight it,” she said.
She highlighted the fact that more and more children under the age of 18 are involved in online gambling activities, both as players and victims of digital exploitation.
As a form of protection for the younger generation, the government is currently encouraging the implementation of strategic policies such as the SAMAN Ministerial Regulation (Content Moderation Compliance System) and the TUNAS Government Regulation which emphasizes child protection in the digital space, she concluded.
Meutya explained that concrete steps such as limiting the age of access to social media for children under 18 are systemic efforts that are expected to be able to significantly reduce the number of online gambling users.
“With the regulation limiting or delaying the age of access for children under 18 to social media, we hope this can significantly reduce online gambling in Indonesia,” she said.
On the other hand, a more humane approach is also being promoted by the government through the Directorate General of Digital Space Supervision. Director General Alexander Sabar emphasized the importance of viewing online gamblers, especially young people, as victims who need guidance and rehabilitation.
“Online gamblers should be viewed as victims who need help to get out of addiction, not as criminals,” said Alexander.
This approach shows that government policy does not only focus on cutting off technical access, but also on social and psychological handling.
Furthermore, Alexander explained that the government continues to intensify digital education and literacy through collaboration with local governments, schools, and community organizations. These outreach programs are designed to broaden public understanding of the risks and impacts of online gambling. Education is the main key in forming collective awareness so that people do not get caught up in illegal practices that damage the future, especially the younger generation.
The government’s success in taking down millions of online gambling content is a progressive step towards a safer and more civilized digital space. However, this major work requires the involvement of all parties: the community, religious leaders, educational institutions, and the private sector. This national synergy is an important foundation to ensure that the internet in Indonesia does not become a fertile ground for digital crime, but becomes a space that educates, is productive, and protects all citizens.
