By: Hana Widya Saraswati
The government has further reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating online gambling practices, which are now increasingly prevalent in the digital space. Through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), strategic technology-based measures have been initiated to protect the public from the destructive impacts of this illegal activity. One of the latest breakthroughs is the full operation of the Analysis and Monitoring System (SAMAN) in October 2025.
The Director General of Komdigi’s Digital Space Supervision, Alexander Sabar, explained that SAMAN has been in a year-long trial phase. The system is now ready for optimal use after a thorough evaluation. He stated that the government has received extensive input from digital platform operators to ensure the system is truly effective in closing loopholes frequently exploited by online bookies. Alexander emphasized that SAMAN will be fully operational next month as a serious effort to strengthen digital space oversight.
According to him, online gambling is not simply a violation of the law, but a serious threat to social stability. He warned that this practice often destroys families, depletes assets, and even sacrifices the future of the younger generation. Komdigi data shows the extent of this problem. From October 20, 2024, to September 16, 2025, more than 2.8 million pieces of negative content were successfully addressed. Of this number, approximately 2.1 million pieces were directly related to gambling. Alexander cited this figure as evidence of the extent of the threat that must be addressed together.
However, the government assured that this policy is not intended to restrict democratic space. Alexander emphasized that the public remains free to express criticism, aspirations, and expression. Only illegal and dangerous content, including online gambling, which has been proven to cause social and economic harm, will be eradicated.
Furthermore, Alexander urged the public to play an active role in safeguarding the digital space. He stated that collaboration between the government, digital platforms, and the public is key to making this eradication more effective. He emphasized his belief that Indonesia’s digital space can become a healthy, productive space, and support national progress if all parties work together.
The online gambling phenomenon is no longer merely an individual problem; it has evolved into a socio-economic threat. Easy access via smartphones has made this practice increasingly massive, systematic, and difficult to monitor. Satria Utama, an expert in Islamic Economics at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY), stated that online gambling has a greater destructive power because it targets financially vulnerable groups.
Satria gave the example of when social assistance funds that should be used for basic needs are instead diverted to gambling, the impact extends to families’ economic resilience. He even warned that if this phenomenon persists on a large scale, the problem could escalate into a national issue.
Even more concerning, many households that initially had sufficient budgets for daily needs end up trapped in online gambling. There have been cases where funds for children’s schooling and family health have been depleted due to gambling addiction. When they lose, perpetrators often try to cover their losses by taking out online loans. High interest rates make it even more difficult for them to escape the cycle of problems. As a result, families are affected, households are torn apart, and many even end in divorce.
Satria described this situation as a far-reaching domino effect. According to him, the problems that arise are not only about the loss of money, but also involve the destruction of social relationships, mental health, and the collapse of the future of children growing up in unstable environments.
Besides technological factors, Satria believes this problem is also related to people’s often irrational consumption patterns. He likened it to the fact that some people are willing to spend money on cigarettes even though their basic needs are neglected. It’s no surprise that online gambling, with its promise of quick riches, feels even more tempting.
Therefore, he believes the government cannot rely solely on repressive measures such as blocking websites or legal action. While these efforts are necessary, they must be balanced with increased economic literacy. The public needs to understand the risks, impacts, and how to manage their finances healthily to avoid being easily tempted by false promises.
Satria emphasized that as long as demand for online gambling remains high, the supply will always be available. Therefore, eradication must be carried out from two sides: technology and culture. The government needs to be more courageous in its education, providing the public with an understanding that shortcuts to wealth through gambling are merely illusions that lead to suffering.With the launch of SAMAN, the government has demonstrated concretely that an information technology-based approach is a crucial instrument in combating online gambling practices. However, the success of this initiative depends heavily on the involvement of all parties. Without public awareness to reject, report, and combat online gambling, no matter how sophisticated technology is, it will not be enough.
The public is reminded not to be lulled by the false promises of online gambling that promise instant profits. The long-term impacts are far more detrimental, both in terms of finances, mental health, and family stability. Collective awareness to reject and avoid online gambling will be the nation’s primary bulwark.
The government has firmly paved the way through SAMAN. However, the success of ridding Indonesia’s digital space of this destructive practice will be determined by the extent to which the public is able to stand together, protecting themselves, their families, and their environment. Online gambling is not only illegal but also erodes the nation’s future.
*Public Policy Observer
