By: Andi Mahesa)*
The rise of online gambling in Indonesia is a serious threat to society, especially with the increasing access to digital platforms. Data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) shows that throughout 2024 there were more than 209 thousand transactions related to online gambling with a value of IDR 359 trillion. Even more astonishing, the number of online gamblers reached 8.8 million people, with the 30-50 age group dominating the figure. In fact, around 80 thousand children under the age of 10 are suspected of being involved in this activity. This situation demands concrete steps from various parties to significantly reduce the circulation of online gambling.
In order to increase public awareness of the dangers of online gambling, PT Visionet Internasional (Ovo) took the initiative to hold the Joint Movement to Reveal Online Gambling (Gebuk Judol). This program invites the public to actively participate in detecting and reporting accounts that are misused for online gambling transactions. By collaborating with PPATK, Ovo seeks to strengthen the early detection system to prevent this illegal activity from spreading in the digital space.
This step is in line with the government’s policy in eradicating online gambling and creating a safer digital financial ecosystem. This initiative was first introduced in November 2024 at the National Movement Seminar: Combating Online Gambling and New Crimes in the Digital Economy Era 5.0. Since then, Ovo has continued to develop its security system by optimizing technology to detect suspicious transactions and tightening user verification through Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).
Gebuk Judol officially opened on February 24, 2025 and will run until March 24, 2025. The public can report accounts suspected of being used for online gambling activities through the official Gebuk Judol website and the Help Center in the Ovo application. To increase public participation, Ovo provides appreciation in the form of prizes totaling IDR 60 million for three reporters with the most valid reports. This is expected to encourage the public to be more proactive in maintaining the security of digital space from increasingly massive online gambling practices.
As part of its transparency efforts, Ovo will periodically announce the number of reports received, both valid and invalid, and the actions taken on the reports. With the support of PPATK, accounts proven to be used for online gambling will be blocked, while related information will be forwarded to the authorities for further steps.
In addition to involving the public, Ovo also conducts cyber patrols to identify sites, applications, or platforms involved in online gambling practices. From the results of this monitoring, Ovo compiles an Online Gambling Watchlist that is continuously updated to improve the security of the digital financial system. Thus, this platform does not only rely on reports from the public, but also actively detects potential suspicious transactions.
PPATK assessed that the steps taken by Ovo through Gebuk Judol are in line with the government’s vision in strengthening the prevention of online gambling. This program is also associated with the 7th Asta Cita carried by President Prabowo Subianto, which emphasizes the importance of eradicating online gambling as part of protecting the interests of the nation and state. With the synergy between the private sector and regulators, it is hoped that the circulation of online gambling can be significantly suppressed.
Gebuk Judol is a real-life example of how collaboration between the private sector and government can contribute to addressing increasingly complex digital threats. This step not only helps in law enforcement against online gambling perpetrators, but also educates the public about the dangers of online gambling and how they can play a role in eradicating it.
Through the concept of mutual cooperation, Ovo invites all elements of society to participate in efforts to create a healthier digital ecosystem free from illegal practices. With increasing public participation and support from various parties, it is hoped that initiatives such as Gebuk Judol can have a real impact in suppressing the rate of online gambling in Indonesia. More than just a campaign, this is a form of social responsibility in maintaining the financial security of the community and supporting the government in creating a safer and more integrated digital environment.
However, the success of this program also depends on the sustainability and commitment of various parties, including the government, financial institutions, and the community. In addition, increasing digital literacy needs to be done continuously so that the community can better understand the risks of online gambling and its negative impacts on social and economic life. With a combination of strict supervision strategies, public education, and strict law enforcement, it is hoped that online gambling can be eradicated completely and no longer be a threat to future generations.
Eradicating online gambling requires strong synergy between the government, private sector, and the community. Steps such as monitoring financial transactions, blocking suspected accounts, and increasing digital literacy are the main strategies in suppressing the spread of online gambling in Indonesia. Initiatives such as Gebuk Judol show that collaboration between regulators and financial industry players can strengthen the supervision and prevention system. With stricter supervision, ongoing education, and firm law enforcement, it is hoped that online gambling can be eradicated completely, creating a safer and more integrated digital space.
)* The author is a student who lives in Jakarta.
