Jakarta — The phenomenon of online gambling, commonly known as judol in Indonesia, is becoming increasingly alarming and has evolved into a social illness that threatens to damage the nation’s younger generations. Beyond financial destruction, online gambling addiction is said to have neurological effects comparable to drug addiction, particularly among children and adolescents who are still in crucial stages of development.
Anisa Asri, a Junior Planner at the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (MoWECP), explained that children’s internet access has sharply increased over the past five years.
According to data from Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) through the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas), the proportion of children aged 7–17 accessing the internet rose significantly—from around 40 percent in 2018 to 74 percent in 2023.
Anisa cited a study conducted by the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Medicine and Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), which found that 50 percent of children experienced internet addiction post-pandemic, up from 31 percent before the pandemic.
“Children and adolescents are the most vulnerable groups because they are still in the process of growth and development and do not yet have mature analytical capacity,” she continued.
She also warned that many online gambling platforms now disguise themselves as child-friendly digital games. Therefore, family guidance and digital education are crucial.
In response, Anisa stated that the government continues to reinforce its eradication efforts.
“The government is currently drafting a Presidential Regulation on the Roadmap for Child Protection in the Online Realm for 2025–2029, as a strategic step in addressing the potential dangers of the digital world,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Mundakir, Rector of Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya, shared shocking facts from Menur Mental Hospital.
According to him, over 80 patients, including a 17-year-old, were being treated at the psychiatric hospital due to gambling-related issues—an alarming trend that demands serious attention from all stakeholders.
He further explained that online gambling can indeed cause severe mental health damage.
“The case of the 17-year-old who had a breakdown in the emergency room shows just how quickly and severely online gambling can deteriorate mental health,” he revealed.
Mundakir emphasized that factors such as stress, economic pressure, and boredom often act as triggers.
“Addicts often struggle to control their spending and appear indifferent even when their debts are piling up,” he said.
He added that family involvement plays a crucial role in early detection.
“Parents should be alert when their children display suspicious signs, such as frequently borrowing money, withdrawing from family interactions, or becoming angry when scolded for using their phones,” he concluded.
