Soon to Be Issued, Government Regulation (PP) Considered Effective in Eradicating Online Gambling
By: Andi Mahesa)*
Online gambling has become a serious threat to society in recent years. Its rapid spread through digital platforms has made it easily accessible, even to children and teenagers. The impact of online gambling addiction is devastating, not only on mental health but also on family economic stability and social order.
In response to this, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemenkomdigi) has announced that the government will soon issue a Government Regulation (PP) to combat online gambling in a massive and structured manner. This step is believed to be a more effective and comprehensive solution in fighting illegal practices that harm society.
Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid stated that the issuance of this PP is part of President Prabowo’s commitment to eradicating online gambling in Indonesia. According to her, the regulation will not only focus on blocking or removing online gambling sites but will also involve collaboration between the government and digital platform providers.
She acknowledged that fighting online gambling cannot be done merely by blocking or shutting down gambling websites. Collaboration between the government and platform providers is crucial, where providers are expected to be more responsive in identifying and removing content related to online gambling.
The issuance of this PP is an important step in maintaining social and economic stability, which is increasingly threatened by the negative impact of online gambling. With clear and firm rules in the form of a PP, the government hopes to be able to control the spread of online gambling, which has become increasingly difficult to monitor through conventional methods.
Digital platform providers will also be required to actively collaborate in ensuring that content on their platforms is not related to illegal gambling activities. This proactive step is much needed, given the growing number of online gambling sites that continue to emerge and can easily bypass existing blocking systems. The government will also ensure that digital platforms are held accountable for providing a safe digital space for users, especially children. Their involvement in combating online gambling is essential.
Additionally, the Director-General of Public Communication and Media at Kemenkomdigi, Fifi Aleyda Yahya, revealed that the PP related to online gambling is currently in the final stages and will soon be issued. Fifi emphasized that one of the main goals of the PP is to create a safer digital space, especially for children and families. This regulation is a mandate from President Prabowo to ensure a safer digital environment for children. Besides offering protection for them, the regulation will also provide comfort in accessing healthier and more beneficial digital information.
The issuance of this PP is a tangible reflection of the government’s attention to the growing social issue in the online world. The increasing cases of online gambling addiction among young people and teenagers show that the state needs to take firm steps to mitigate the negative effects. The existence of this PP will provide a stronger legal foundation for the government and related agencies to take action against online gambling providers and compel digital platforms to be responsible for maintaining the safety of their users.
This policy will also open up opportunities for closer cooperation between the government, regulatory agencies, and digital platform providers. In the fight against online gambling, this cooperation is crucial to ensure the success of the program and bring about positive impacts for society. With this PP, clearer and more consistent standards for addressing online gambling in Indonesia are expected.
However, the biggest challenge in issuing this PP is ensuring that the regulation can be effectively implemented in the field. The government must ensure that there is a strong monitoring system and a clear and transparent legal enforcement mechanism. This will ensure that all parties involved in spreading online gambling are penalized according to the applicable regulations. Moreover, providing education to the public is key to minimizing the impact of online gambling. The public needs to be better informed about the dangers of online gambling and how to avoid it.
Ultimately, eradicating online gambling is not a task that can be solved by issuing legal rules alone. Active participation from all segments of society is required to create a safer digital space. The government’s efforts to issue this PP are a very positive first step and must be supported by society.
The public is expected to fully support the issuance of this PP related to online gambling, which will be published soon, and play an active role in safeguarding the digital world. All parties have a responsibility to ensure that future generations grow up in a healthy, safe environment, free from negative influences such as online gambling. The government, platform providers, and the public must unite in fighting this illegal practice for a better future for children and all members of society.
)* Author is a student living in Jakarta.
