By: Reza Mahendra Siregar *)
Online gambling has become a serious issue troubling Indonesian society. With the ease of internet access, this illegal practice has spread widely, ensnaring people from various backgrounds, from teenagers to adults. Its impact is not only financially detrimental but also disrupts social and economic stability. Therefore, efforts to eradicate online gambling must be comprehensive and involve various stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, and the public itself.
The Indonesian government has demonstrated its commitment to eradicating online gambling through various policies and collaborations with the private sector. The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has partnered with digital platforms such as TikTok to curb the spread of online gambling content. Throughout 2024, TikTok removed over 900,000 videos related to online gambling activities. This effort highlights the crucial role of digital platforms in creating a safer and healthier online environment.
Additionally, OVO has joined the fight against online gambling by launching the “Gerakan Bareng Ungkap Judi Online” (GeBuk Judol) program. Through this initiative, the public is encouraged to actively report accounts suspected of involvement in gambling transactions. By offering incentives for informants, this program aims to engage more people in identifying and eliminating online gambling networks spread across various digital platforms.
The government has also tightened surveillance on suspicious financial transactions. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) reported that throughout 2024, more than 209,000 transactions were linked to online gambling, amounting to a total of IDR 359 trillion. This staggering figure illustrates the massive circulation of money in this illegal business. Therefore, cooperation between financial institutions and regulators is crucial to ensure suspicious transactions can be detected and addressed promptly.
Beyond the government, the private sector also plays a vital role in combating online gambling. TikTok, for instance, has tightened its content moderation policies by removing over 2.2 million comments and nearly 35,000 paid advertisements promoting online gambling. This measure is part of the #LawanJudol campaign, aimed at raising public awareness, especially among young people, about the dangers of online gambling.
OVO, as one of the leading digital payment service providers, has also shown its commitment to eradicating online gambling by collaborating with PPATK to track and block accounts proven to be involved in gambling activities. Moreover, OVO regularly conducts cyber patrols to update its watchlist of online gambling activities to prevent suspicious transactions on its platform. This initiative proves that the private sector holds a strategic role in limiting the spread of online gambling through strict internal policies.
The fight against online gambling should not be limited to blocking and reporting accounts involved in the practice; raising public awareness is equally essential. Digital literacy plays a critical role in this effort. The public must be educated about the risks posed by online gambling, including the fraudulent schemes often used to lure new victims.
Educational programs involving educational institutions, communities, and social media can serve as effective means to build public understanding of the dangers of online gambling. The government can collaborate with digital platforms and technology companies to organize seminars, webinars, and social campaigns that encourage responsible internet use. Preventive efforts based on education will help people become more vigilant and less susceptible to the allure of instant profits from online gambling.
In addition to raising public awareness, stricter regulations and firm law enforcement are also crucial factors in combating online gambling. Many cases have shown that although gambling sites have been blocked, perpetrators can still operate by changing domains or using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to evade detection. Therefore, monitoring the technology used by online gambling operators must be intensified.
Law enforcement agencies must also take a more aggressive approach in pursuing and prosecuting online gambling networks that continue to operate. Arresting and imposing severe penalties on offenders can serve as a deterrent and restrict their movements. Not only should small-time players be targeted, but the major financiers behind the online gambling business must also be the primary focus of eradication efforts.
The fight against online gambling cannot be solely the responsibility of the government or the private sector; it must be a collective effort. If only the government takes action without support from society and technology companies, these efforts will struggle to achieve maximum results. Therefore, synergy among various stakeholders is necessary to create a digital environment free from online gambling.
Through cooperation between the government, the private sector, and society, online gambling can be curbed at its roots. Measures such as content blocking, financial transaction monitoring, digital education, and strict law enforcement must be implemented simultaneously for optimal effectiveness. By doing so, Indonesia can establish a healthier digital ecosystem and better protect its younger generation from the dangers of online gambling.
*) Public Policy Analyst – Madani Institute
