By: Alfitra Wijaya
The government is taking a more decisive stance in combating online gambling by preparing severe sanctions for both players and service providers. This action is in response to the widespread impact of online gambling, especially among lower-income communities. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the police to take maximum action in eradicating this illegal practice.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized that online gambling has infiltrated various layers of society, even affecting minors. This poses a serious threat to the future of the younger generation, as it disrupts family economic stability and increases criminal activity. Therefore, the police have been tasked with eradicating online gambling at its root, targeting both small networks and major operators behind the scenes.
To strengthen the crackdown, the police will apply the Money Laundering Crime Law (TPPU) to online gambling syndicates. This mechanism will allow authorities to seize assets obtained from illegal activities and return them to the state. This approach is expected not only to cut off financial access for perpetrators but also to deliver a stronger deterrent effect. Additionally, police have been instructed to take strict action against officers proven to be involved in online gambling networks.
Criminal law expert from Universitas Trisakti, Abdul Fickar Hadjar, believes that this policy is a crucial step in curbing the spread of online gambling in Indonesia. According to him, all parties involved, both players and operators, should receive appropriate punishment, as gambling activities are in violation of the law. He stressed that the revolution in communication technology has made online gambling more accessible, making it urgent to take firm action before the consequences spread further.
The negative impact of online gambling is already evident in society. Many cases have emerged where individuals lose control due to gambling addiction, leading to criminal acts. One particularly disturbing case involved a father who sold his own child to pay off gambling debts. Such phenomena highlight how gambling practices can drive individuals to make irrational decisions, disrupting social order.
On the other hand, Executive Director of the ICT Institute, Heru Sutadi, pointed out that the government’s efforts to handle the spread of harmful content in the digital world need to be further strengthened. He emphasized that regulations protecting society from dangerous content like online gambling are covered under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE). However, the implementation of these regulations remains a significant challenge due to weak law enforcement.
One concrete step being planned by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is the age restriction on social media use. This policy aims to ensure that children are no longer exposed to online gambling content that is widely spread across various digital platforms.
The government is also working on regulations regarding sanctions for digital platforms that allow online gambling content to circulate on their services. These sanctions could include written warnings, fines, temporary suspensions, or even permanent access termination.
However, Heru emphasized that such policies need to be supported by stricter law enforcement. Despite a clear ban on online gambling, the practice still flourishes in society. This indicates that the state still faces significant challenges in ensuring that the regulations put in place are properly implemented.
In addition to legal actions, the government is also focusing on preventive strategies by improving digital literacy among the public. Education about the dangers of online gambling is a crucial step in protecting society from the temptations of online gambling. This campaign targets various groups, including students, university students, workers, and even housewives who are vulnerable to becoming victims of gambling.
In terms of technology, the government is collaborating with internet service providers to strengthen the system for blocking online gambling sites. This measure is intended to make it increasingly difficult for people, especially those who are less familiar with online gambling tactics, to access illegal platforms.
The success of eradicating online gambling does not only rely on police or government actions but also on the collective awareness of society. Support from families, communities, and the private sector also plays a vital role in creating an environment free from the negative influence of gambling.
Although the challenges in tackling online gambling remain significant, the government’s policy of imposing heavy sanctions on both players and providers of online gambling services represents a progressive step toward creating a safer digital environment. With well-planned strategies and collaboration between law enforcement, government agencies, and society, it is hoped that Indonesia can be free from the threat of online gambling, which has caused harm to many people.
) Author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute*
