*) By: Raka Prasetya
The phenomenon of digital addiction is one of the biggest social challenges facing modern society. Dependence on social media, online gambling, online games, and pornography has eroded the quality of life of many individuals, impacted mental health, and reduced productivity. Through the Jakarta Initiative Workshop 2025, the Indonesian Circle Care Foundation (YLIP), in collaboration with Paramadina University, seeks to create a space for dialogue and concrete solutions to address this problem. The forum not only examined the causal factors but also emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy, particularly the role of families as the first line of defense against digital addiction amidst the rapid flow of information technology.
Digital addiction has now become a new social crisis. International Certified Prevention Specialist and YLIP Program Development Coordinator, Steve Christoph, explained that many Indonesians are currently caught up in digitally addictive behaviors such as online gambling, pornography, and online gaming. He believes this situation not only impacts individuals but also has a domino effect on families and the social environment. According to him, many people are trapped in digital addiction and their quality of life is worsening. Therefore, his team will continue to increase the capacity of rehabilitation personnel to provide more comprehensive support to addicts, especially those who suffer from online gambling.
Steve emphasized that treating addiction is not sufficient simply by blocking access or using legal approaches. A holistic approach involving psychological, educational, and social aspects is needed to ensure addiction survivors can truly recover. YLIP, along with its academic partners, is committed to developing evidence-based intervention methods and strengthening the role of rehabilitation institutions in the regions. This step aligns with the government’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy digital space, as reflected in the national policy on eradicating online gambling. Synergy between community organizations, universities, and the government is a crucial element in addressing the increasingly complex root causes of addiction in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fatchiah E. Kertamuda, MSc, Vice Rector of Paramadina University and a member of the YLIP Expert Council, highlighted the importance of family communication in preventing and addressing digital addiction. According to him, the family is the primary agent in character formation and the first environment where children learn to manage their behavior and emotions. According to her, the family is a safe place for children. Healthy communication, with respect, trust, and positive thinking, is key to preventing them from engaging in risky activities like online gambling or other addictive behaviors. She added that many cases of online gambling addiction and crime stem from communication failures within families, either due to a lack of parental emotional presence or a lack of warmth in household interactions.
In the forum, Fatchiah also explained that family harmony is a strong foundation for building the mental resilience of the younger generation. Open communication patterns, mutual respect, and emotional support will help children feel accepted and reduce their dependence on digital escapes. She also reviewed scientific approaches to behavioral addiction recovery. One method is the Motivational Interviewing (MI) method, which is used to explore an individual’s intrinsic motivation so they can break out of the cycle of addiction. In the next stage, families must be involved through psychoeducational programs so they understand the dynamics of addictive behavior and do not subconsciously reinforce bad habits.
Digital addiction, including online gambling, is not just a problem of individual behavior, but also concerns the social and moral resilience of the nation. Online gambling, for example, has triggered numerous family economic problems, domestic conflict, and even crime. The government continues to strengthen regulations and oversight systems to block access to online gambling sites and accounts, but these efforts must be accompanied by increased public awareness. In line with the spirit of the Jakarta Initiative Workshop 2025, efforts to eradicate digital addiction need to be accompanied by educational and preventative strategies that involve all levels of society, from educational institutions to local communities.
Furthermore, the workshop emphasized the importance of digital education for parents and children. Education on healthy technology use, online time management, and awareness of the dangers of addictive content are urgently needed. With increased public understanding of the risks of digital addiction, it is hoped that a balance will be created between technological advancements and mental health.Government Encourages Families to Become the Frontline in Combating Online Gambling
*) By: Raka Prasetya
The phenomenon of digital addiction is one of the biggest social challenges facing modern society. Dependence on social media, online gambling, online games, and pornography has eroded the quality of life of many individuals, impacted mental health, and reduced productivity. Through the Jakarta Initiative Workshop 2025, the Indonesian Circle Care Foundation (YLIP), in collaboration with Paramadina University, seeks to create a space for dialogue and concrete solutions to address this problem. The forum not only examined the causal factors but also emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy, particularly the role of families as the first line of defense against digital addiction amidst the rapid flow of information technology.
Digital addiction has now become a new social crisis. International Certified Prevention Specialist and YLIP Program Development Coordinator, Steve Christoph, explained that many Indonesians are currently caught up in digitally addictive behaviors such as online gambling, pornography, and online gaming. He believes this situation not only impacts individuals but also has a domino effect on families and the social environment. According to him, many people are trapped in digital addiction and their quality of life is worsening. Therefore, his team will continue to increase the capacity of rehabilitation personnel to provide more comprehensive support to addicts, especially those who suffer from online gambling.
Steve emphasized that treating addiction is not sufficient simply by blocking access or using legal approaches. A holistic approach involving psychological, educational, and social aspects is needed to ensure addiction survivors can truly recover. YLIP, along with its academic partners, is committed to developing evidence-based intervention methods and strengthening the role of rehabilitation institutions in the regions. This step aligns with the government’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy digital space, as reflected in the national policy on eradicating online gambling. Synergy between community organizations, universities, and the government is a crucial element in addressing the increasingly complex root causes of addiction in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fatchiah E. Kertamuda, MSc, Vice Rector of Paramadina University and a member of the YLIP Expert Council, highlighted the importance of family communication in preventing and addressing digital addiction. According to him, the family is the primary agent in character formation and the first environment where children learn to manage their behavior and emotions. According to her, the family is a safe place for children. Healthy communication, with respect, trust, and positive thinking, is key to preventing them from engaging in risky activities like online gambling or other addictive behaviors. She added that many cases of online gambling addiction and crime stem from communication failures within families, either due to a lack of parental emotional presence or a lack of warmth in household interactions.
In the forum, Fatchiah also explained that family harmony is a strong foundation for building the mental resilience of the younger generation. Open communication patterns, mutual respect, and emotional support will help children feel accepted and reduce their dependence on digital escapes. She also reviewed scientific approaches to behavioral addiction recovery. One method is the Motivational Interviewing (MI) method, which is used to explore an individual’s intrinsic motivation so they can break out of the cycle of addiction. In the next stage, families must be involved through psychoeducational programs so they understand the dynamics of addictive behavior and do not subconsciously reinforce bad habits.
Digital addiction, including online gambling, is not just a problem of individual behavior, but also concerns the social and moral resilience of the nation. Online gambling, for example, has triggered numerous family economic problems, domestic conflict, and even crime. The government continues to strengthen regulations and oversight systems to block access to online gambling sites and accounts, but these efforts must be accompanied by increased public awareness. In line with the spirit of the Jakarta Initiative Workshop 2025, efforts to eradicate digital addiction need to be accompanied by educational and preventative strategies that involve all levels of society, from educational institutions to local communities.
Furthermore, the workshop emphasized the importance of digital education for parents and children. Education on healthy technology use, online time management, and awareness of the dangers of addictive content are urgently needed. With increased public understanding of the risks of digital addiction, it is hoped that a balance will be created between technological advancements and mental health.Social responsibility. The success of this effort is crucially determined by the role of the family, which not only serves as a supervisor but also as a place of refuge and recovery when family members face pressure or digital addiction.
Ultimately, the Jakarta Initiative Workshop 2025 serves as a crucial momentum to raise collective awareness that digital addiction is a real threat that must be addressed together. The government, academics, social institutions, and especially families must work hand in hand in building national resilience in the digital era. The public is urged not to underestimate the dangers of online gambling, which is now increasingly pervasive across all social levels. Be alert to signs of addiction in your immediate environment, strengthen communication within your family, and support government policies to create a safe and dignified digital space. Only with collective awareness can Indonesia protect its younger generation from the trap of digital addiction that threatens the nation’s future.
*) The author is a Local Media Contributor.
