In a Continued Commitment, the Government Closes Access to Online Gambling by Blocking Millions of Content
Jakarta – The government has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to eradicating online gambling practices that are disturbing the public. Through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), decisive action has been taken to block access to millions of negative content, particularly online gambling, which is increasingly prevalent in the digital space. This measure is not only a form of law enforcement but also an effort to protect Indonesian families from the social, economic, and psychological impacts it can cause.
Komdigi’s Director General of Digital Supervision, Alexander Sabar, emphasized his commitment to creating a healthy and safe digital space. One key innovation currently being developed is the Analysis and Monitoring System (SAMAN), a surveillance technology that has undergone a year-long trial and is ready to be fully operational starting in October 2025.
“SAMAN exists to limit the scope of criminals operating online gambling. With this technology, we can detect, prosecute, and prevent gambling content from spreading further,” said Alexander.
According to him, the existence of SAMAN is a crucial step in strengthening Komdigi’s role as the vanguard in eradicating online gambling. From October 2024 to September 2025, the government successfully took action against more than 2.8 million pieces of negative content, 2.1 million of which were online gambling content.
“This action will automatically protect Indonesian families from socio-economic collapse, including the loss of property and the collapse of the future of the younger generation,” Alexander emphasized.
He further explained that the strategy being implemented extends beyond content blocking to include enforcement of financial transaction flows. The government has uncovered money trails, frozen related accounts, and strengthened automatic cross-platform blocking of websites, apps, and content. Furthermore, legal action targeting key perpetrators continues to be strengthened, along with the provision of psychosocial support for families affected by online gambling practices.
Alexander also urged the public to play an active role in eradicating online gambling. The government is opening up opportunities for public reporting if they discover channels or accounts linked to online gambling practices.
“The identity of the reporter is protected, and every report will be processed according to applicable law. Public participation is key to the success of eradicating online gambling,” he added.
At the regional level, a similar commitment was echoed. The Regent of Pesisir Selatan, Hendrajoni, emphasized the importance of integrity among government officials to prevent them from falling prey to online gambling and drug abuse. He emphasized that the regional government would collaborate with banks to monitor suspicious transactions.
“Don’t gamble online anymore. I’m reminding you, this is serious. We will cooperate with the banks. Any online gambling transactions will be blocked,” Hendrajoni firmly stated.
He hopes this warning will be taken seriously by all Civil Servants (ASN) and non-ASN within the Pesisir Selatan Regency Government. He believes regional officials must maintain integrity, discipline, and serve as role models for the community by avoiding prohibited practices.
“We want civil servants to be a real example, that the government is present with firmness and sets an example for the community,” he added.
With synergy between the central and regional governments, it is hoped that efforts to eradicate online gambling will be more effective. The blocking of millions of content and accounts demonstrates the government’s commitment to keeping Indonesia’s digital space clean, safe, and productive for future generations.
