Firm and Measured, Government’s Strategy Reduces Online Gambling Transactions by 80 Percent
*) By: Andi Mahesa
The government’s success in significantly reducing online gambling transactions deserves appreciation as an outstanding achievement in maintaining national social and economic resilience. The latest data from the Online Gambling Eradication Task Force shows that the integrated efforts carried out by various ministries and agencies have yielded tangible results. Financial transactions related to online gambling activities dropped drastically by more than 80 percent in the first quarter of 2025. While in January to March 2024, the total online gambling transactions reached an astounding IDR 90 trillion, the same period this year saw a sharp decrease to around IDR 47 trillion.
This reduction did not happen by chance, but is the result of a firm, measured strategy that was implemented collaboratively. The government, through a task force consisting of PPATK, the National Police (Polri), the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi), the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and Bank Indonesia, has demonstrated its seriousness in tackling cybercrimes that have been troubling society.
Head of the Financial Transaction Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK), Ivan Yustiavandana, shared that this downward trend brings new optimism. If this success can be sustained, online gambling transactions for 2025 are projected to be reduced to below 160 million transactions. This figure becomes an important benchmark, showing that data-based approaches, tight monitoring, and tracking suspicious transactions are effective steps in disrupting the previously massive online gambling ecosystem.
Ivan also expressed high appreciation for Kemkomdigi, which played a central role in this effort. Their extraordinary commitment is demonstrated through the blocking of more than 1.3 million pieces of digital content related to gambling practices. This shows that the state is genuinely present in closing access to illegal networks that have long harmed society, especially vulnerable groups like children and teenagers.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, in her statement emphasized that although progress has been made, the government will not rest on its laurels. There are still many challenges to address, particularly in strengthening regulations and managing the digital space. Enforcement actions and content blocking must be accompanied by adaptive and sustainable regulations so that online gambling eradication is not temporary but becomes a part of the national digital security system.
Furthermore, Meutya stressed that this success is the result of a collective effort. Support from various elements of society, such as government agencies, civil organizations, educational institutions, and local communities, has been a crucial social capital. According to her, eradicating online gambling is not just about cyber security, but is a collective effort to save the nation’s future from threats that undermine the social and economic values of society.
Some strategic steps taken by Kemkomdigi that contributed to the reduction in transactions include blocking more than 1.3 million pieces of online gambling content, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to track suspicious transactions, limiting SIM card ownership to a maximum of three numbers per National Identity Number (NIK), and law enforcement operations by the National Police that successfully seized assets worth over IDR 500 billion from online gambling networks. Additionally, the implementation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Child Protection in the Digital Space has become an essential part of strengthening overall digital governance.
Institutional synergy is key to this success. No single institution can solve the complex issue of online gambling without cross-sector coordination. Therefore, the direct instruction from President Prabowo Subianto to eradicate online gambling comprehensively has become a strong political foundation for the task force to act quickly and accurately.
The positive impact of this policy is already being felt by the public. In addition to the reduction in online gambling transactions, reports from several regions show a significant decrease in household financial abuse cases, increased productivity among the youth, and fewer complaints from the public about digital gambling activities in their communities. This shows that the domino effect of the policy’s success does not stop at numbers but also touches everyday social life.
However, challenges remain. The modus operandi of online gambling networks continues to evolve with technological advancements. Therefore, in addition to improving regulations and updating surveillance technology, the government also needs to promote digital literacy across all layers of society. Public awareness to recognize, avoid, and report suspicious activities in the digital space is the primary shield to strengthen national defense against digital threats.
As part of the growing digital society, we all share the same responsibility. Online gambling is not just an economic crime, but also a moral and social issue. Therefore, every step the government takes to eradicate this practice deserves full support. Do not let our younger generation fall into the dark circle of gambling simply due to our negligence or indifference to what happens in the digital space.
*) The author is a student living in Jakarta.
