By: Andika Pratama )*
The development of digital technology has had a significant impact on various aspects of life, including the emergence of the increasingly disturbing online gambling phenomenon. Online gambling is not only financially detrimental, but also threatens the morality and future of the younger generation, especially students. Therefore, full support for the student movement in eradicating online gambling is very crucial in order to maintain the integrity and quality of Indonesia’s human resources.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that the success of digital transformation in Indonesia must be oriented towards the progress and welfare of society. She stated that digital transformation must be utilized for positive and productive purposes, in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita which emphasizes strengthening state resilience and eradicating corruption. With 79.5 percent of active internet users in Indonesia, people’s digital literacy needs to be improved so that technology is used optimally and responsibly.
Data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) in 2024 shows that North Sumatra is among the top six provinces with the highest online gambling cases in Indonesia. This shows that online gambling has spread widely and requires serious attention from various parties, including academics and students. Meutya reminded that the algorithm in online gambling is designed to harm users, so the public needs to be made aware of the dangers of this practice.
In response to this situation, the Ministry of Communication and Digital has blocked more than 800,000 online gambling sites. However, blocking alone is not enough without ongoing education to reduce public demand for such content. The National Digital Literacy Program, which targets improving basic digital skills for 30 million Indonesians, is a strategic step in building awareness and understanding of the dangers of online gambling.
Educational institutions such as universities also play an important role in this effort. The Sumatra Institute of Technology (Itera) has held an anti-online gambling declaration involving students, lecturers, and education staff. The Chancellor of Itera, Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, emphasized his institution’s commitment to creating a healthy academic environment free from online gambling practices. He emphasized that true success can only be achieved through hard work, not through immoral instant methods such as online gambling.
President of KM-Itera Students, Muhammad Rizky Saputra, highlighted the dangers of online gambling among students who not only spend their pocket money, but also have the potential to drag students into online loans. In addition to the financial impact, online gambling can also cause mental disorders that interfere with learning consistency. Therefore, students need to manage their finances well and avoid using money for useless things.
Collaboration between the government and the community is key to eradicating online gambling. The Ministry of Communication and Digital is working with the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), digital platforms, cellular operators, and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to block online gambling content. In addition, education to the public regarding the negative impacts of online gambling on the economy, society, culture, and religion continues to be encouraged.
The active role of students as agents of change is very much needed in this effort. With direct involvement in digital literacy programs and anti-online gambling campaigns, students can be role models for the wider community. They can utilize social media and other digital platforms to disseminate information about the dangers of online gambling and how to prevent it.
In addition, universities can integrate materials on the dangers of online gambling and digital literacy into the curriculum. Thus, students not only gain academic knowledge, but also awareness of the risks that exist in the digital world. Extracurricular activities such as seminars, workshops, and panel discussions on this topic can also increase students’ understanding and involvement in eradicating online gambling.
No less important, support from family and the surrounding environment is very influential in preventing students from falling into online gambling. Parents and other family members need to provide an understanding of the dangers of online gambling and encourage the positive use of technology. A conducive environment will help students focus on education and constructive self-development.
Overall, the fight against online gambling requires collective efforts from all elements of society. Students, as the next generation of the nation, have a strategic role in this effort. With the support of the government, educational institutions, families, and the wider community, we can createa healthy and productive digital ecosystem. Let’s fight online gambling together for a better future for Indonesia. )* The author is an Anti-Online Gambling Activist
