Government Strengthens Digital Literacy on the Dangers of Online Gambling, Extending to Border Areas
Riau Islands – Assistant Deputy for Coordination of Data Protection and Electronic Transactions (Asdep PDTE) at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam), Syaiful Garyadi, emphasized that the government continues to strengthen public digital literacy as part of efforts to eradicate the growing practice of online gambling.
“The threat of online gambling not only undermines socio-economic stability but also poses risks to the misuse of citizens’ personal data. The government is very serious about combating online gambling, by establishing an Online Gambling Eradication Task Force involving ministries, central and regional institutions, as well as local leaders,” Syaiful stressed.
The Riau Islands was chosen as the focus of discussion because the province directly borders Singapore and Malaysia. This geographical condition is considered vulnerable to being exploited as an entry point for cross-border online gambling networks.
According to data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), out of a total of 2.18 million residents in the Riau Islands, 66,097 individuals were indicated to be involved in online gambling. Moreover, data matching with the Ministry of Social Affairs found that 2,377 families receiving social assistance (KPM) were engaged in the practice, with total deposits reaching IDR 8.31 billion.
Kemenko Polkam, as coordinator of the Online Gambling Eradication Task Force, is committed to strengthening synergy with PPATK, the National Police, the Ministry of Communication and Information, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), and local governments. The cooperation focuses on aligning data protection policies, reinforcing regulations under the ITE Law and the Personal Data Protection Law, and mainstreaming digital literacy as an early prevention measure.
“Digital literacy is one of the keys to eradicating online gambling. It is not merely about mastering technology but about building critical awareness so that people do not fall into the trap of online gambling schemes. With inter-agency synergy and public support, we are optimistic that we can curb the spread of online gambling in Indonesia,” he explained.
Local governments also reaffirmed the same commitment. The Bintan Regency Government, for instance, has tracked civil servants suspected of involvement, collaborated with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia (BI) for counseling, and actively disseminated information on the dangers of online gambling through various communication channels.
Riau Islands Governor, Ansar Ahmad, stressed the importance of synergy between central and regional governments to ensure that the President’s priority programs truly benefit the public.
“Synergy between central and regional governments is the key to ensuring that the President’s priority programs are genuinely felt by the people. At the same time, we must strengthen digital literacy as a safeguard against the threats of online gambling, especially in border areas like the Riau Islands,” he stated.
This campaign is not only aimed at preventing economic losses but also at protecting the younger generation from the social and moral impacts of the illegal practice.
[w.R]
