Strengthening National Digital Literacy to Protect Children from Cyber Threats and Online Gambling
The government’s efforts to curb the rise of online gambling continue to intensify as threats against children, families, and the wider community grow more alarming. Working alongside various stakeholders, the government is now moving in a more structured manner through policy, education, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that the digital space remains safe, healthy, and free from destructive illegal practices. Amid the aggressive promotion of online gambling platforms—including networks such as the Kingdom Group that target vulnerable populations—the need for a protected digital ecosystem has become increasingly urgent. Ministries, agencies, and literacy communities are now emphasizing the importance of digital guidance, especially for children who are among the most easily targeted by risky online content.
Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, stated that child protection in digital spaces is a non-negotiable mandate. The implementation of the Presidential Regulation on the Roadmap for Online Child Protection serves as a foundation for the government and stakeholders to strengthen efforts to prevent digital exploitation of children, including the widespread infiltration of online gambling through games, social media, and communication platforms. The government has strengthened law enforcement coordination against parties who exploit the digital realm to trade or exploit children.
In the context of online gambling, children often become indirectly involved through digital games that feature gambling-like elements, loot box schemes, and hidden advertisements. Parents must recognize that modern online gambling does not always appear as a casino website, but can be disguised as innocent-looking entertainment activities. Educational institutions must also establish safe environments, including protecting students from device misuse and exposure to harmful content.
Every child has the right to grow up free from violence—both offline and online—therefore, the public is encouraged to report any exploitation or illegal activities related to online gambling through available mechanisms, such as UPTD PPA or the police. For Arifah, child protection is a shared responsibility, and strengthening digital literacy is a vital tool to prevent younger generations from falling into the destructive cycle of online gambling.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, explained that handling online gambling is not merely about blocking sites but is a serious measure to protect the socio-economic stability of society. He stated that the government aims to significantly reduce the circulation of online gambling transactions, previously projected to reach Rp1,200 trillion, down to around Rp200 trillion by the end of 2025. This target reflects the government’s firm commitment to limiting the operations of digital crime syndicates.
Nezar emphasized that losses caused by online gambling are not only financial but also create severe social pressure on families. Numerous criminal cases have been triggered by gambling losses, ranging from theft and domestic violence to identity misuse for illegal loans. The biggest threat of online gambling, he noted, lies in its accessibility, addictiveness, and targeting of vulnerable groups such as students, housewives, and informal workers.
He stressed that the financial services sector is the last line of defense in breaking the chain of digital crime, and therefore, strict oversight is essential. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs continues to impose sanctions on digital platforms that violate regulations, including blocking access to online gambling content. From October 2024 to November 2025, more than 2.4 million pieces of online gambling content have been handled, illustrating the escalating threat that cannot be underestimated.
The Bandung Regency Literacy Ambassador, Emma Dety Permanawati, stated that parents must serve as the first line of defense in shielding children from harmful digital exposure, including the increasingly rampant online gambling phenomenon. She believes that digital technology cannot be avoided—it must be mastered and guided to ensure it benefits children’s development. Emma emphasized that many communication issues, mental health problems, and identity crises stem from unguided gadget use.
Parents must understand how to navigate social media responsibly, teach digital ethics, and filter the content consumed by their children. The younger generation can only grow into a quality generation if parents actively monitor their digital activities. She reminded that online gambling is not merely a form of play—it is a predatory scheme designed to trap victims through the illusion of instant rewards.
The government also highlights the threat posed by networks such as the Kingdom Group, which employ advanced digital techniques to target vulnerable groups. These networks use aggressive promotions, psychological manipulation, and structured fraud strategies to lure users into gambling cycles. The public is urged to be more selective when utilizing social assistance funds and ensure they are not misused for illegal activities that could harm family livelihoods.
Government efforts, alongside stakeholders, to strengthen national digital literacy form an essential part of Indonesia’s strategy to curb the proliferation of online gambling. Through the involvement of government leaders, educators, and literacy communities, digital protection initiatives are now reinforced across households, schools, and financial institutions. Digital literacy is an urgent necessity amidst the evolving complexity of cybercrime threats. Through cross-sector collaboration and strengthened public education, Indonesia strives to build a safe and ethical digital space for all—especially for children.
*) The author is a social and community affairs observer.
