By: Nandifa Asmira
Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, the government is increasingly aggressive in its efforts to eradicate online gambling which is increasingly disturbing the community. Online gambling practices not only violate the law, but also have detrimental social and economic impacts, especially for affected families. For this reason, various strategic steps continue to be taken to ensure a safer and more conducive environment for the community to carry out Ramadan worship in peace.
In Aceh, the Aceh Police have shown their commitment to eradicating online gambling with significant achievements. In the period from January to February 17, the Aceh Police have succeeded in uncovering 55 gambling cases and blocking 405 online gambling sites. A total of 64 suspects have been arrested in this operation. This firm step is part of law enforcement in accordance with applicable regulations, while also supporting the government’s program in creating public order and security. The Head of Public Relations of the Aceh Police, Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, emphasized that his party will continue to conduct cyber patrols to prosecute perpetrators involved in the promotion and operation of online gambling.
The commitment to eradicating online gambling is not only seen in Aceh, but is also carried out nationally by the police. The Directorate of General Crimes (Dittipidum) of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police recently succeeded in uncovering the international online gambling network 1XBET, which has an operational network extending abroad. In operations carried out in various regions such as Depok, Cianjur, South Tangerang, Batam, and Pekanbaru, officers managed to secure nine suspects and confiscate various pieces of evidence, including cash worth IDR 11.9 billion in various currencies. This disclosure is proof of the seriousness of the Indonesian National Police in breaking the chain of online gambling that has harmed the wider community.
Brigadier General Pol. Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro as the Director of General Crimes (Dirtipidum) of the Criminal Investigation Unit emphasized that the Indonesian National Police will not provide space for online gambling perpetrators in Indonesia. By collaborating with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the police are also tracing the perpetrators’ assets in order to apply articles related to the crime of money laundering (TPPU). In addition, the National Police are working with the Ministry of Communication and Information to continue to block online gambling sites that continue to emerge.
These steps are in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s order asking the National Police Chief to take firm action against online gambling practices in Indonesia. From October 2024 to February 2025, the National Police have uncovered 440 gambling cases with a total of 692 suspects. The perpetrators were charged with Article 303 of the Criminal Code concerning gambling which carries a sentence of 10 years in prison, as well as Article 45 paragraph (3) in conjunction with Article 27 paragraph (2) of Law No. 1 of 2024 which carries a maximum criminal penalty of 10 years and a fine of IDR 10 billion. Not only that, they can also be charged with articles in Law No. 8 of 2010 concerning the prevention and eradication of TPPU, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The government understands that online gambling is not only a violation of the law, but also has a broad impact on the family economy and social welfare. Many cases show that people who are caught in online gambling experience bankruptcy, lose their jobs, and even end up committing crimes due to financial dependence on this illegal practice. Therefore, the public is advised not to be tempted by the lure of instant profits from online gambling which in reality brings more losses.
The momentum of Ramadan must be used as a time for reflection for the public to increasingly stay away from all forms of gambling, both online and conventional. The government and law enforcement officers must remain consistent in their efforts to eradicate online gambling by increasing cyber patrols, tightening regulations, and accelerating the blocking of sites that are used as gambling facilities. Not only that, efforts to socialize the dangers of online gambling must also be expanded, both through social media, schools, and places of worship.
Success in eradicating online gambling does not only depend on the hard work of law enforcement officers, but also on the synergy between the government, the community, and non-governmental organizations that care about this problem. Therefore, there needs to be a joint commitment to create a healthier environment free from gambling practices, especially in welcoming the blessed month of Ramadan. With firm action and active participation of all elements of society, the hope of realizing an environment free from online gambling can truly be realized. The momentum of Ramadan is the right time to suppress the number of gambling in Indonesia. With good cooperation between the government, security forces, and the community, it is hoped that online gambling practices can be minimized so that people can carry out their worship more calmly and solemnly. Success both between the government, security forces, and the community, it is hoped that online gambling practices can be minimized so that people can carry out their worship more calmly and solemnly. The success of eradicating gambling will be proof that the state is present in protecting its people from the moral and economic threats caused by these illegal activities.
*The author is a Social Observer
