By: Muhammad Putra
The arrest of two members of an online gambling syndicate with a Cambodian network by the West Java Regional Police Cyber Directorate has received widespread appreciation from the public. This firm step by the police not only shows a strong commitment to eradicating cross-border cybercrime, but also serves as real evidence of the state’s seriousness in protecting the public from the negative impacts of online gambling practices. This success shows that law enforcement in Indonesia is not sitting idly by in the face of global threats that have infiltrated the nation’s social and economic life.
The operation conducted by the West Java Regional Police succeeded in uncovering the modus operandi of an international syndicate that had been carrying out its illegal activities for approximately three years. Two suspects, with the initials JH and A, were arrested in two different locations, namely Jakarta and Tangerang. Both are known to have played strategic roles in expanding the online gambling network in Indonesia, from recruiting bank accounts to massive promotions on social media. In one day, the funds collected from the victims could reach a fantastic figure, namely 200 million rupiah, which was then sent to the network’s operational center in Cambodia.
This fact shows that online gambling syndicates are no longer a form of traditional gambling that is local and hidden, but have evolved into highly organized cybercrime. Their mode exploits technological gaps and weaknesses in digital surveillance to deceive the public. Vulnerable groups, especially the younger generation, are the main targets in aggressive marketing schemes carried out through social media. This is where the role of law enforcement, related ministries, and the community is important to work together to eradicate this practice to its roots.
The high appreciation from the public for this success is also driven by concerns about the serious impact of online gambling. Many families have become victims, both economically and socially. There are many cases where the head of the family has lost all his savings due to online gambling addiction. In addition, this practice also contributes to the increase in other crimes, such as theft and fraud committed to finance gambling activities. With the arrest of the main perpetrators of this network, the public feels that there is real justice and protection from the state.
West Java Police Cyber Director, Senior Commissioner Resza Ramadianshah, revealed that the arrest was part of an ongoing effort to eradicate the cross-country gambling network. He emphasized that the syndicate worked in a structured and massive manner, and crimes like this should not be allowed to develop. According to him, the existence of this syndicate is very disturbing because it reaches various levels of society with manipulative and systematic methods.
This statement strengthens public confidence that handling online gambling cases cannot be done partially. A comprehensive approach is needed that includes law enforcement, digital literacy, and massive campaigns about the dangers of online gambling. The relevant ministries and institutions have also shown their seriousness. The Ministry of Communication and Information, for example, continues to comb through online gambling content and has blocked millions of illegal sites.
The role of the community in helping to uncover this case cannot be ignored. With increasing public awareness of the dangers of online gambling, reports from residents have become an important source for authorities in conducting investigations and taking action. The public is also advised not to be easily tempted by the lure of instant profits offered by online gambling sites. What appears to be a quick opportunity to get rich, in reality, is actually a gateway to major losses that can destroy the future.
The punishment awaiting the perpetrators is quite severe, namely up to 10 years in prison in accordance with the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. This sanction is expected to provide a deterrent effect, as well as a warning to other parties who still dare to engage in similar activities. Firm action like this is also an important signal that Indonesia will not be a safe place for international crime networks.
The government and law enforcement agencies need to continue to strengthen cross-country cooperation to trace and close access to operational centers of online gambling syndicates based abroad. Meanwhile, at the domestic level, synergy between agencies must be improved, including by collaborating with digital platforms and financial service providers to prevent suspicious transactions. Equally important is community empowerment through digital education, so that they are able to recognize and avoid detrimental digital traps.
The arrest of the Cambodian online gambling syndicate network is a small victory in the long war against cybercrime. However, this success has revived public optimism that the state is present and acting. Public support for the West Java Regional Police’s steps is a form of trust that eradicating online gambling is still possible, as long as the authorities continue to move quickly, firmly, and professionally.
With consistent and coordinated steps, the hope of making Indonesia a region free from online gambling practices is not a utopia. In the future, a greater commitment is needed from all stakeholders to not only extinguish the fire on the surface, but also to cut off this crime network to its roots. Because only with firm steps and joint work can this nation be truly free from the dangers of online gambling that damage the joints of people’s lives.
*The author is an Anti-Online Gambling Activist
