By: Astrid Kumala )*
Online gambling is now a serious threat to the nation’s future. This phenomenon is not only a legal issue, but also a social and moral crisis that must be addressed jointly by the government, society, and the education sector.
The Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), Alexander Sabar, emphasized that online gambling has destroyed many families in Indonesia. He explained that many children have lost their direction in life, parents have lost their possessions, and even families have collapsed because they have become entangled in this illusory game. According to him, online gambling is not just a violation of the law, but a real threat to social resilience. This statement illustrates the deep social wounds left by digital gambling practices.
Komdigi noted that from October 2024 to mid-September 2025, more than 2.8 million pieces of negative content have been prosecuted, with 2.1 million of them related to online gambling. This figure demonstrates the widespread and destructive power of this phenomenon. Alexander explained that this enforcement measure was not intended to restrict freedom of expression, but to protect the digital space from harmful content. He emphasized that democracy remains protected, but illegal content such as online gambling must be eradicated because it damages the nation’s moral foundations.
The dangers of online gambling are not only economic, but also psychological and social. Many people lose money, assets, and even self-confidence after becoming trapped in a cycle of loss and debt. The desire to “recoup their investment” actually leads them deeper into the abyss. In many cases, this addiction leads to severe stress, depression, and even criminal activity. Online gambling creates the illusion of winning, but in reality only brings loss and suffering.
Warsiti, Rector of ‘Aisyiyah University (Unisa) Yogyakarta, assessed that the online gambling phenomenon has become a cross-sectoral threat. She explained that the impact is not only financial, but also psychological and social. According to her, many cases of online gambling have even spread to illegal loans, where perpetrators attempt to cover losses by borrowing money from unofficial sources. Warsiti emphasized the important role of education in building digital awareness. He stated that campuses must be strongholds of character, developing students with integrity and using technology for positive purposes.
Meanwhile, Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), R.A. Yashinta Sekarwangi Mega, revealed shocking data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which states that by the end of 2025, online gambling transactions could reach IDR 1,200 trillion. More than 39 million transactions occurred in the past year. Even more alarming, children aged 10–16 are already involved in this game, with total deposits reaching more than IDR 2.2 billion, while those aged 17–19 have reached IDR 47.9 billion. He warned that online gambling is a deadly trap, tempting at first, but devastating in the end.
This fact shows that the younger generation is now an easy target for online gambling practices. Hidden advertisements on social media and digital games entrap them in subtle and manipulative ways. Without strong education and supervision, they could become the next victims. In this context, the role of the family is crucial. Parents must establish open communication with their children, understand their digital world, and instill moral values to prevent them from easily falling prey to destructive content.
The government, through Komdigi, is currently strengthening its monitoring system by fully operating the Analysis and Monitoring System (SAMAN) starting in October 2025. This system is designed to close gaps in the spread of online gambling content and increase collaboration between the government, digital platforms, and the public. However, no matter how strong the system is, its results will be meaningless without the support of collective awareness. Alexander emphasized that public involvement is key to success. He encouraged the public to actively report any online gambling content to keep Indonesia’s digital space clean, healthy, and productive.
Online gambling is like a social disease that spreads silently but is deadly. It erodes individual self-confidence, undermines family harmony, and weakens national productivity. In many cases, online gamblers lose their enthusiasm for work, become entangled in debt, and even commit crimes to cover their losses. Public money siphoned off to illegal foreign-based gambling sites also has a direct impact on the country’s economic well-being. Therefore, avoiding online gambling is not only about personal safety but also part of maintaining the nation’s economic and moral stability.
The younger generation must be at the forefront of these prevention efforts. Only by building digital awareness and strong character can Indonesiacan produce a strong and integrated golden generation of 2045. This view aligns with the government’s commitment to continuously strengthen digital literacy, expand public education, and provide a safer digital space for all.
The fight against online gambling is not a short war. It is a long-term struggle that requires collaboration, awareness, and shared responsibility. The government has taken decisive steps, but the public must be active partners in prevention. Every click, every decision not to share or access online gambling sites, is a tangible form of digital patriotism.
We need to recognize that the digital space is not just a place to share information, but also a reflection of the nation’s morals. When that space is free from cybercrime and gambling, a healthier and more civilized future can flourish. With collective awareness, moral discipline, and support for government policies, Indonesia can become a nation with an ethical, competitive, and equitable digital ecosystem.
Staying away from online gambling means protecting families, maintaining dignity, and helping to build a better future. Because a strong nation is built not only on its technological progress, but also on the moral purity of its citizens. Now is the time for all levels of society to join hands to report, prevent, and combat online gambling, for the sake of a healthy digital space and a resilient generation.
)* The author is a contributor to the Advanced Indonesian Youth Network (JMIM).
