By: Rani Setiawan )*
The rapid development of digital technology should be a blessing for the progress of the nation. However, on the other hand, the increasingly rampant phenomenon of online gambling has become a serious threat to the people of Indonesia. Based on the latest data released by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the value of online gambling transactions in Indonesia is projected to reach IDR 1,200 trillion in 2025, a sharp increase from IDR 981 trillion in the previous year. This figure almost touches half of the total state revenue, indicating how serious this problem will be if not addressed immediately.
Seeing this situation, the public must be aware that online gambling is not just a violation of the law, but a direct threat to national economic resilience and social welfare. Just imagine, funds that should be used to build infrastructure, improve education, or improve health services are instead siphoned off to this illegal activity.
According to the Head of PPATK, Ivan Yustiavandana, the government has so far made great efforts to combat online gambling, starting from blocking illegal sites to collaborating with various social media platforms to remove gambling promotions. In fact, this collaborative effort has succeeded in dismantling a large network involved in online gambling operations. However, Ivan admitted that the large amount of money circulating and the rapid adaptation of the perpetrators are challenges that are not easy to overcome.
Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Hasbiallah Ilyas, responded to the report with deep concern. He considered the surge in online gambling transactions reaching Rp1,200 trillion very worrying, and warned that if this trend continues, in the next five years the nation’s wealth could be sucked into the dark hole of gambling. Hasbiallah also emphasized that in fact the turnover of funds that occurs could be much greater than the recorded figure. Funds that should accelerate development and improve the welfare of the people have instead evaporated to satisfy the greed of the illegal gambling industry.
It is important to understand that online gambling is not only financially detrimental, but also has a destructive social impact. Individuals who are caught in online gambling are vulnerable to personal economic ruin, disrupted family harmony, and many even end up falling into criminal acts to cover losses due to gambling addiction.
The government’s efforts do not stop at blocking sites. Increasing public financial literacy is another strategic step that is being intensified. Through various educational campaigns, it is hoped that the public can understand the risks of online gambling, including psychological traps that victims are often unaware of. Strengthening anti-money laundering regulations and preventing terrorism financing is also expected to narrow the room for these criminals to move.
The founder of the Haidar Alwi Institute (HAI), R. Haidar Alwi, appreciated the efforts of the National Police, which were considered to have shown extraordinary performance in eradicating online gambling. He said that throughout 2024, the National Police managed to uncover 1,611 cases involving 1,918 suspects, and proposed blocking more than 126 thousand sites. Of the thousands of cases, hundreds have been legally processed, while thousands more are still under investigation. Not only that, the confiscation of assets worth billions of rupiah, ranging from land, luxury vehicles, to gold, shows the seriousness of the authorities in eradicating this crime.
However, Haidar also reminded that the hard work of the Police is not enough if it is not balanced with massive preventive measures from all elements of society. According to him, the spike in money turnover in online gambling, which rose by more than 22 percent in a year, shows that demand for this practice is still high. He also highlighted the horrifying fact that around 8.8 million Indonesians, mostly from the lower middle class, are involved in online gambling activities.
Therefore, Haidar called for the importance of the involvement of all parties starting from individuals, families, the environment, mass media, financial institutions, educational institutions, to the government to gather strength in breaking the chain of online gambling. He emphasized that eradicating online gambling is not only the task of law enforcement officers, but a shared responsibility as citizens.
In this context, society needs to realize that there is no long-term benefit from online gambling. All the lure of instant prizes is an illusion that leads to destruction. In addition, considering the dangers of online gambling which are now increasingly massive and organized, it is important for every family to strengthen the moral and digital literacy of young people as an effort to prevent it from the roots.
Eradicating online gambling requires ongoing commitment and real action. The government must continue to tighten regulations, expand blocking, and strengthen education. The mass media has a strategic role in disseminating enlightening information, rather than being tempted to spread content that glorifies gambling. Educational institutions need to actively build a culture of awareness of the risks of online gambling from an early age. And of course, every individual has a responsibility to say no to gambling, no matter how tempting it is.
This nation must not be allowed to lose to digital gambling. We need to work together to protect the country’s resources, protect the younger generation, and ensure that Indonesia’s future remains bright. Online gambling is not only an enemy of the law, but also an enemy of the nation’s social and economic welfare. Let’s be vigilant, let’s move together, before it’s too late.
)* Public Finance Consultant – Community Economic Center (SEM)
