By: Aditya Ramadhanu)*
Ramadhan is a blessed month that should be a momentum to strengthen social solidarity and increase piety. However, the rampant online gambling is a threat that damages the spiritual and social values that are intended to be upheld in this holy month. Therefore, synergy between the government, religious figures, media, and society is very important to work together to fight online gambling in order to maintain the sanctity of Ramadhan.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on broadcasters and content creators on various social media platforms to fill their Ramadan broadcasts by strengthening literacy and education about the dangers of online gambling. According to the Secretary General of MUI, Buya Amirsyah Tambunan, online gambling has spread to various levels of society and has had a very damaging impact, both economically and morally. Therefore, MUI has requested that Ramadan broadcasts emphasize the importance of solidarity and social concern, including helping those who are trapped in online loans that are often related to online gambling practices.
In addition, the MUI emphasized that all broadcast content during Ramadan must comply with the provisions of the Broadcasting Law and the MUI fatwa on muamalah through social media. This aims to ensure that all sources in the field of religion have clear competence and a Wasathiyah Islamic perspective. The MUI also reminded that broadcast content must respect important times during Ramadan, such as breaking the fast, sahur, imsak, and adhan, and not display things that can disrupt the solemnity of worship.
On the other hand, the police also continue to try to eradicate online gambling, including ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Head of Public Relations of the Aceh Police, Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, revealed that the Aceh Police have uncovered dozens of online gambling cases and blocked hundreds of related sites. This step is part of the government’s commitment to cracking down on gambling practices that damage the social and economic order of society. However, this effort cannot only rely on law enforcement officers. The role of the community in providing education to the surrounding environment and reporting online gambling practices is also very much needed.
Ramadan is not just a month of abstaining from hunger and thirst, but also a time to refrain from actions that harm oneself and others. Online gambling is a form of sin that is not only prohibited by religion, but also has clear legal consequences. Therefore, this holy month should be a starting point for individuals and communities to be more aware of the dangers of online gambling and prevent its spread in society.
In addition, digital literacy is also key in preventing the dangers of online gambling. Many people are trapped in online gambling due to a lack of understanding of the risks. In addition, the role of the family is also very important in efforts to prevent online gambling. Parents must be more active in supervising their children’s digital activities and providing an understanding of the dangers of online gambling.
The momentum of Ramadhan must be used to build collective awareness of the importance of protecting oneself from online gambling. Anti-online gambling campaigns can be carried out through various activities, such as religious lectures, Islamic studies, and public discussions involving religious figures, academics, and legal practitioners. In addition, social communities can also play a role in providing assistance to those who have been caught in online gambling so that they can rise and start a new, better life.
In addition to legal and regulatory approaches, it is also important to create healthier entertainment alternatives during Ramadan. Local governments and community groups can organize positive activities, such as Islamic art festivals, sports competitions, and social programs that can divert people’s attention from online gambling. With more beneficial alternatives, individuals who are vulnerable to online gambling can have other options to spend their time more meaningfully.
Technology companies that operate social media and messaging apps also have a responsibility to combat online gambling. By improving their algorithms for detecting gambling content and tightening regulations on advertisements related to online gambling, technology companies can help prevent the spread of information related to online gambling. Blocking of advertisements and accounts that promote gambling should be tightened so that users are not tempted to try this risky game.
Education in schools and Islamic boarding schools can also play an important role in forming anti-online gambling awareness from an early age. The curriculum of religious and moral education can be strengthened with materials that explain the negative impacts of online gambling. With this approach, the younger generation can have strong moral resilience to reject all forms of gambling.
Efforts to eradicate online gambling during Ramadan are not only the responsibility of the government or law enforcement officers, but also require the active involvement of all elements of society.
By synergizing, we can maintain the sanctity of the month of Ramadan and create a healthier environment, free from gambling practices that damage the nation’s morals and economy. Let’s use this Ramadan as a momentum to strengthen solidarity to fight online gambling together for a better future.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
