Government Enhances Synergy Between Agencies to Protect the Younger Generation from Online Gambling
By: Arka Mahendra Putra
The fight against online gambling continues to intensify as a manifestation of the government’s commitment to protecting the public from the negative impacts of this illegal activity. Various strategic measures are being taken to strengthen these efforts, including enhancing regulations, law enforcement, and digital literacy. Online gambling has become a serious threat that damages the lives of many people, including children and teenagers. Therefore, concrete steps from various parties are needed to ensure that this practice can be effectively eradicated.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has taken decisive action by drafting government regulations related to child protection in the digital space. Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid stated that the aim of these regulations is to protect children from risky content, including online gambling. Restrictions on digital account ownership will be tailored to age classifications and the risk levels of features on digital platforms. This step is being taken as a form of protection for the younger generation to prevent them from falling into harmful activities.
Data from the Online Gambling Task Force shows that 440 thousand children aged 10-20 years are involved in online gambling, with two percent of them being children under 10 years old. This fact is a serious concern because it is not just a number, but concerns the children’s right to a safe digital space. Meutya emphasized the importance of collaboration between teachers, parents, and the government in providing digital literacy to children so that they can use the internet more wisely. In today’s digital era, children have very broad access to information, but without proper guidance, they are vulnerable to harmful content.
Online gambling does not only target adults but also children and teenagers. Various tactics are used by gambling service providers to attract the younger generation, including inserting ads into apps or digital platforms they frequently use. It is not uncommon for children who initially just want to try to end up trapped in an addictive cycle that is difficult to stop. Therefore, awareness and the involvement of parents become crucial in monitoring their children’s digital activities.
In terms of law enforcement, the police also demonstrate their commitment to eradicating online gambling. The Aceh Police, through the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, successfully uncovered 55 gambling cases and blocked 405 online gambling sites from January to February 17, 2025. The Head of Public Relations of the Aceh Police, Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, emphasized that this effort is part of the national priority program to support the creation of public security and order, especially with Ramadan approaching. This step aligns with the national policy aimed at curbing the spread of online gambling, which is becoming more rampant.
In addition to Aceh, various other regions in Indonesia are also starting to take firm actions against online gambling practices. Cooperation between the central government, regional governments, and the police is key to speeding up the eradication of online gambling. Many regions have started identifying and blocking gambling websites as well as arresting those involved in this illegal business. These steps are expected to provide a deterrent effect to those who still dare to run or engage in online gambling activities.
The public is urged not to be tempted by the promise of instant profits from online gambling, which in reality leads to significant losses, both economically and socially. This activity not only violates the law but also damages family life and the social fabric. Many cases show that individuals who fall into online gambling face severe financial losses, which impact their family lives. A significant number also face legal problems due to their involvement in this practice.
The fight against online gambling also needs to be supported by increasing the digital literacy of the public. Not everyone realizes the dangers of online gambling and how these platforms work to trap their users. Therefore, the government and various related institutions must actively educate the public about the dangers of online gambling and how to protect themselves from this threat. Public awareness campaigns through mass media, seminars, and outreach in schools can be effective steps in preventing the spread of online gambling.
Additionally, strengthening regulations is also an important aspect in the fight against online gambling. Existing regulations need to be updated to accommodate technological developments and new methods used by online gambling perpetrators. The government must ensure that the regulations are not only effective in closing legal loopholes but also able to provide a deterrent effect to the perpetrators.
Eradicating online gambling requires sustained synergy. The government continues to improve regulations and strengthen law enforcement, while the public is encouraged to play an active role in creating a healthy digital environment. Collaboration among various parties is key to the success of this effort.
Not only law enforcement officials are taking action, but the public is also becoming aware of the dangers of online gambling and playing a role in educating those around them. Together, we can fight online gambling to create a safe and quality digital environment for all generations of the nation.
)* The author is a contributor to Forum Indonesia Emas
