Jakarta – The government continues to intensify efforts to eradicate online gambling which is increasingly disturbing the community. This illegal activity not only damages the economic conditions of individuals, but also cracks family harmony, disrupts children’s education, and triggers an increase in crime rates in various regions.
Data released by the Ministry of Religion shows that more than 4,000 divorce cases in Indonesia are directly related to online gambling. In fact, elementary school children have reportedly begun to be exposed to and become addicted, to the point of committing acts that damage the surrounding environment.
In response to this condition, Bank Indonesia (BI) together with various stakeholders—ranging from ministries, government institutions, community organizations, to financial industry associations—have taken concrete steps to eradicate online gambling. One of the strategic policies is the formation of the Online Gambling Eradication Task Force which is tasked with coordinating various legal and educational actions.
“This is not just a financial or technological issue. Online gambling is a complex social problem and requires cooperation from all parties,” said the Director of the Payment System Policy Department of Bank Indonesia, in his official statement.
From August 2024 to April 2025, the results of cyber patrols carried out by BI together with Payment Service Providers (PJP) successfully detected 19,606 websites suspected of carrying out online gambling practices. In addition, 23,852 customer accounts connected to these activities were also successfully identified and followed up.
BI also does not hesitate to impose strict sanctions on parties proven to have misused the payment system for this prohibited activity.
“We continue to strengthen the supervision system and are ready to take action against any misuse thoroughly,” said BI.
Not only through a legal approach, public education is also at the forefront. Through the Joint Movement for Consumer Protection Education (GEBER PK) program, BI invites the public to understand the latent dangers of online gambling and to increase digital financial literacy responsibly.
“Don’t be easily tempted by promises of instant wealth. Online gambling will only rob the future and destroy the socio-economic life of the perpetrators,” explained a BI representative in a post on the institution’s official social media.
The government hopes that with integrated steps between law enforcement, strengthening the financial system, and increasing public awareness, efforts to eradicate online gambling can bring significant results. All parties are urged to participate in this collective movement to save the younger generation and maintain the nation’s social resilience.
