Supporting Government Efforts to Tighten Regulations and Combat Online GamblingBy: Andi Mahesa
The phenomenon of online gambling (judol) in Indonesia has been rapidly growing in recent years. Its impact is highly detrimental, affecting the economy, society, and psychological well-being of individuals. Not only does it damage personal lives, but online gambling also burdens the country by potentially increasing criminal activity, fraud, and the circulation of illegal money. In response to 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 is the tightening of regulations concerning prepaid SIM cards. As stated by Sumail Abdullah, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission I, the circulation of prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased without strict identity verification has often been exploited by online gambling operators. In fact, many false identities are used to purchase SIM cards, which are then utilized to access online gambling websites.
The government must immediately improve regulations related to prepaid SIM card registration so that each SIM card purchase is made with valid and accountable data. This way, the identity falsification often used by online gambling actors will be hindered. If this step is implemented effectively, the movements of online gambling perpetrators will be increasingly limited, and the likelihood of illegal transactions will decrease drastically.
In the long term, tightening prepaid SIM card regulations can create a safer ecosystem where personal identity information is better protected. This will also make it easier for authorities to trace criminal activities related to online gambling.
In addition to SIM card regulations, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has also been actively blocking online gambling sites. Alexander Sabar, Director-General of Digital Space Oversight at Kemkomdigi, stated that the government has dealt with over 5 million online gambling contents, mostly in the form of unauthorized websites and apps. This blocking measure is a crucial step in reducing public access to online gambling.
Kemkomdigi is not only blocking sites but is also collaborating with various digital platforms to expedite the removal of online gambling content. Cooperation with digital platforms is essential since much of the spread of online gambling content occurs through social media and internet-based apps. In this case, the involvement of the public, tech companies, and the government is needed to oversee and block online gambling content to create a safe and healthy digital space.
The collaboration between the government and law enforcement should also be appreciated, as strict legal action against those who spread online gambling sites will provide a deterrent effect and reduce the intensity of cybercrimes related to online gambling. These measures show the government’s commitment to protecting society from the negative impacts of online gambling, which can damage mental well-being and financial stability.
Furthermore, the selectivity in passport issuance is also crucial. As explained by Novan Indriyanto, the Subdirector of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, they have become more selective regarding passport applicants who intend to travel to countries known for illegal online gambling activities, such as Cambodia. Many online gambling operators use passports to operate abroad and engage in illegal activities.
Efforts to monitor passport issuance are aimed at limiting the movement of online gambling perpetrators to countries with legal loopholes in regulating online gambling practices. Through these restrictions, the government hopes to reduce the movement of online gambling operators and the number of cases involving Indonesian citizens who get entangled in illegal gambling activities abroad.
Success in eradicating online gambling cannot rely solely on government policies. Full support from the public is essential to creating a cleaner environment free of online gambling activities. Therefore, it is important for the public to actively support government policies that tighten regulations and fight against these illegal practices.
The entire society must come together to advocate for the limitation of online gambling access and avoid supporting such detrimental practices. This is a collective responsibility, both as individuals and as part of the wider community, to protect the younger generation from the harmful effects caused by online gambling.
All societal elements are expected to unite in supporting the government’s commitment to tightening regulations and narrowing the space for online gambling operators. With cooperation between the government, society, and the private sector, it is believed that online gambling practices can be reduced and ultimately eradicated. This is a concrete step toward realizing a safer Indonesia, free from the threats of illegal gambling that damage our shared lives.
The author is a student living in Jakarta.
