By: Sukma Ayu
The government has demonstrated its seriousness in cracking down on online gambling practices, which are increasingly causing public concern. This effort not only focuses on law enforcement but also aims to protect the younger generation and maintain social stability. Several institutions have taken coordinated action, including the Indonesian National Police, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, and relevant financial institutions. This integrated approach reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the digital space remains safe and free from illegal activities.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized that the police have been conducting an Operation to Eradicate Social Illnesses since early May 2025, as a sign of their serious efforts to combat various forms of social crimes, including online gambling. The police do not discriminate against perpetrators based on their groups or backgrounds. As long as such activities are proven to disrupt public order and cause public unrest, firm action will be taken.
This comprehensive law enforcement effort is also part of a national strategy to support smooth investment and economic development. According to Listyo, the crackdown on thuggery, narcotics, human trafficking, and online gambling is being carried out simultaneously as part of the effort to maintain public order.
The operation led by the police targets not only individual perpetrators but also seeks to cut off the financial flow of these criminal activities. Cross-sectoral coordination is a key factor in the success of this initiative. By involving financial institutions, local governments, and community elements, the monitoring of online gambling practices is extended to the grassroots level. This also strengthens control over potential threats to social stability, particularly in industrial areas and strategic investment zones.
From the perspective of digital content supervision, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, through the Director General of Digital Space Oversight, Alexander Sabar, reported that from October 2024 to May 2025, more than 1.38 million pieces of online gambling content have been blocked. The majority originated from websites and IP addresses, followed by social media platforms and file-sharing services.
Blocking measures were also taken against thousands of pieces of content found on major platforms such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok. Alexander emphasized that monitoring is constantly updated to keep pace with perpetrators who shift their activities across digital platforms.
In addition to content blocking, the government has also taken strategic steps to target the financial aspects of online gambling. Thousands of bank account numbers and digital wallet accounts suspected of being used for illegal activities have been submitted to financial authorities for further action.
Coordination with Bank Indonesia and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) is part of the enforcement mechanism to freeze the funding sources used by the perpetrators. Alexander also highlighted the importance of cooperation with platform providers and banking institutions to speed up the detection and blocking processes.
On the other hand, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, stated that online gambling can no longer be seen as a minor issue. Citing data from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, around 80,000 children under the age of 10 have been exposed to online gambling content, most of them through games on personal devices. According to Puan, this situation not only threatens education but also endangers family structures and the future of the nation as a whole.
Puan expressed her view that eradication efforts must be accompanied by increased digital literacy and education for parents. This way, the risk of exposure to children can be minimized from within their immediate environment. The government is also urged to strengthen school curricula with materials that teach the risks of illegal digital activities, including online gambling often disguised as games or investments.
The government’s commitment to eliminating online gambling from Indonesia’s digital space is reinforced by active cooperation between the public and private sectors. Initiatives such as public reporting of suspicious accounts are being promoted. These efforts are not only a form of citizen participation but also reflect a spirit of mutual cooperation in safeguarding the national digital space. The government believes that public involvement is a key foundation for detecting increasingly complex and elusive hidden networks.
The steps taken—and those that will continue—demonstrate the government’s stance in protecting the people and the younger generation from hidden digital threats. The firmness of the police, the synergy of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs through Alexander Sabar, and the legislative oversight by Puan Maharani all send a strong signal that the war against online gambling is not mere formality, but a systematic movement touching all aspects of national life. The government has made it clear that there will be no room for digital criminals, and this determination is being realized through concrete actions that continue without pause.
In addition, the government is encouraging collaboration with internet service providers to strengthen algorithm-based blocking systems. This approach is not only reactive but also preventive, as it enables real-time detection of online gambling content distribution patterns. This allows for more efficient and accurate tracking and enforcement.
