Protecting the Young Generation: Government Fights Online Gambling with Massive Digital Blocking*) By: Debora Amanda
In recent years, the rapid growth of digital technology has opened many positive opportunities for Indonesian society. However, behind this progress lies a serious threat — the increasingly rampant spread of online gambling, which has become harder to control. Online gambling is not only a moral issue but also a social and economic threat that could damage the younger generation. Recognizing the urgency of this problem, the government has moved swiftly to take concrete measures to protect citizens, particularly the youth, from the growing dangers of digital gambling. Firm and comprehensive action has now become a priority, combining technological, legal, and interagency cooperation approaches.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid emphasized that the government has taken extraordinary measures to combat online gambling through large-scale digital blocking. Within a short span — from October 20 to November 2, 2025 — the government successfully blocked 2,458,934 pieces of content and websites linked to online gambling, including around 2.1 million active gambling sites. This step not only reflects the government’s seriousness but also demonstrates the nation’s ability to harness cyber power to enforce the law and protect its digital domain. Meutya explained that this action is part of a broader effort to create a digital space that is clean, healthy, and productive for all citizens.
In addition to content blocking, the government is targeting the financial networks that fund online gambling operations. Meutya revealed that 23,604 bank accounts suspected of being linked to gambling activities have been reported to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) for further action. This shows that eradicating online gambling requires not only cutting off digital access but also disrupting the financial chain supporting these illegal operations. By collaborating with PPATK, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), banking institutions, and law enforcement agencies, the government aims to close every loophole exploited by online gambling operators.
The government has also highlighted the widespread circulation of gambling content across major platforms such as Meta, Google, YouTube, Telegram, TikTok, LINE, and even App Store. Meutya reported that over 123,000 gambling-related contents were found on file-sharing platforms, 106,000 on Meta, 41,000 on Google and YouTube, 18,600 on X (Twitter), 1,942 on Telegram, 1,138 on TikTok, 14 on LINE, and three on App Store. The government has urged all digital platform providers to strengthen internal monitoring or self-censorship mechanisms against content that facilitates online gambling. This collaborative approach is expected to narrow the operational space for digital criminals who continually seek loopholes across global platforms.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs also stressed the importance of international cooperation in tackling this cross-border cybercrime. Minister Meutya stated that this effort aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive emphasizing the need for global synergy to combat illegal activities in cyberspace. Since many gambling sites operate from abroad, collaboration with international organizations and global platforms is essential to curb the spread of harmful content. The government aims not only to be reactive but also proactive, by building a strong national digital defense system based on early detection and big data analysis.
From the law enforcement and economic standpoint, PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana reported positive outcomes from the government’s strict measures. He stated that online gambling transactions had dropped significantly — from Rp359 trillion in 2024 to Rp155 trillion by the third quarter of 2025, a 57% decrease. This decline demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between Kemenkomdigi, PPATK, OJK, and law enforcement agencies in suppressing online gambling activities in Indonesia. Beyond reducing illegal transactions, this success also signals the government’s capacity to safeguard both economic stability and public morality through a measured and sustainable digital approach.
The government’s measures are not only repressive but also educational. The mass blocking is accompanied by digital literacy campaigns encouraging people to be more aware of the dangers of online gambling. The younger generation, as the largest group of internet users, is the primary focus of these efforts. The government continues to urge citizens to use digital spaces productively — for learning, innovation, and creativity, rather than being trapped in destructive activities like online gambling. This synergy between firm policy and educational outreach makes the government’s strategy increasingly comprehensive and long-term oriented.
These efforts also reflect a broader vision toward national digital resilience, ensuring that Indonesia’s cyberspace remains free from crimes that threaten morality, the economy, and public security. Online gambling has ensnared many vulnerable groups — including youth, housewives, and low-income communities. In this context, mass blocking is not merely law enforcement but also a form of social protection. By removing millions of gambling-related sites and content, the government is laying down a stronger moral foundation for the nation in the midst of global digital transformation.
*) The author is a Public Policy Analyst.
