By: Andi Mahesa
The phenomenon of online gambling (judol) in Indonesia has been rapidly growing in recent years. Its consequences are deeply detrimental, impacting the economy, society, and individual psychology. Not only does it ruin lives, but online gambling also places a strain on the state, contributing to an increase in criminal activity, fraud, and the circulation of illegal money. In addressing this threat, the Indonesian government has taken serious steps to tighten regulations across various sectors to eradicate online gambling.
One of the first measures taken by the government was tightening regulations regarding prepaid SIM cards. As disclosed by Sumail Abdullah, a member of the Indonesian Parliament’s Commission I, the circulation of prepaid SIM cards, which can be purchased without strict identity verification, has become a loophole often exploited by online gambling operators. In fact, many fraudulent identities are used to buy SIM cards, which are then used to access online gambling sites.
The government must quickly refine regulations regarding prepaid SIM card registration, ensuring that every purchase is made with valid and accountable data. This way, identity fraud, commonly used by online gambling perpetrators, can be thwarted. If this measure is effectively implemented, it will undoubtedly limit the movement of online gambling operators and drastically reduce the possibility of illegal transactions.
In the long run, tightening prepaid SIM card regulations will create a safer ecosystem, where personal identity information is more protected. It will also assist authorities in tracking down criminal activities related to online gambling.
In addition to SIM card regulations, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has been actively blocking online gambling sites. Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Oversight at Kemkomdigi, stated that the government has already dealt with over 5 million online gambling-related contents, mostly consisting of illicit websites and apps. This blocking initiative is a critical step in reducing public access to online gambling.
Kemkomdigi is not only blocking websites but is also collaborating with digital platforms to expedite the removal of gambling-related content. Cooperation with these digital platforms is crucial since much of the online gambling content spreads through social media and internet-based applications. In this regard, involvement from the public, tech companies, and the government is essential in monitoring and blocking online gambling content to create a safer and healthier digital space.
The collaboration between the government and law enforcement agencies is also commendable, as strict legal action against those spreading online gambling sites will serve as a deterrent and reduce the frequency of cybercrimes linked to online gambling. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting the public from the harmful effects of online gambling that can destabilize individuals both mentally and financially.
Another important step is increasing selectivity in passport issuance. As explained by Novan Indriyanto, Sub-Director of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the authorities have become more selective in granting passports to those intending to travel to countries known for illegal online gambling activities, such as Cambodia. Many online gambling perpetrators use passports to operate abroad and carry out their illicit activities.
This passport issuance oversight aims to limit the movement of online gambling operators who exploit legal loopholes in certain countries. By restricting this movement, the government hopes to curb the actions of online gambling perpetrators and reduce the number of Indonesian citizens involved in illegal gambling activities abroad.
Success in eradicating online gambling cannot rely solely on government policies. Full public support is needed to create an environment free from online gambling activities. Therefore, it is crucial for the public to actively support government policies that tighten regulations and combat these illegal practices.
The community must unite in advocating for the restriction of online gambling access and avoid any form of support for these harmful practices. This is a shared responsibility, both as individuals and as part of a larger society, to protect future generations from the negative impacts of online gambling.
All sectors of society should come together to support the government’s commitment to tightening regulations to restrict the movement of online gambling perpetrators. With cooperation between the government, society, and the private sector, it is believed that online gambling practices can be curtailed and ultimately eradicated. This is a concrete step toward realizing a safer Indonesia, free from the destructive threats of illegal gambling that undermine our shared well-being.
The writer is a student living in Jakarta.
