By: Ahmad Kurniawan*
(Contributor, Indonesian Youth Advancement Network – JMIM)
Online gambling is not merely a legal violation—it has become a social disease threatening the future of Indonesia’s younger generation. In addition to disrupting financial stability, addiction to online gambling poses serious mental health risks, especially among children and adolescents.
Recent data from the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reveals a significant increase in internet access among children aged 7–17, from around 40 percent in 2018 to 74 percent in 2023. This sharp rise indicates that children are increasingly exposed to risky digital content, including online gambling. A study by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, in collaboration with Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, shows that post-pandemic, about half of all children have developed internet addiction—an alarming increase from 31 percent before the pandemic. This indicates that the digital space is no longer a safe place, particularly for those in critical stages of growth and development.
According to Anisa Asri, a First Expert Planner at the Deputy for Child Rights Fulfillment, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA), children and adolescents are the most vulnerable to the dangers of online gambling. They lack the psychological resilience and analytical reasoning to recognize the traps hidden within child-friendly digital games. Worryingly, many gambling platforms disguise themselves as colorful, engaging child-friendly games, making them appear harmless. In such circumstances, unawareness can quickly turn into a destructive addiction that impairs cognitive function and emotional health.
Online gambling addiction has neurological effects similar to those caused by narcotics. It is not only about losing money—it causes profound psychological and behavioral damage. Children exposed to this are at risk of experiencing behavioral changes, becoming irritable, socially withdrawn, or even showing symptoms of mental disorders such as chronic anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Alarmingly, some patients at Menur Psychiatric Hospital in Surabaya are as young as 17 years old, already displaying extreme behavior due to this addiction.
Mundakir, Rector of Muhammadiyah University Surabaya and a faculty member in the Department of Health, emphasized that these cases reflect the massive impact of online gambling on mental health. He recalled a teenage patient who became violently agitated in the Emergency Room after losing access to their gambling account. According to him, frustration, social pressure, and financial losses can trigger impulsive behavior and emotional disturbances. When the urge to gamble is unmet, individuals may lose control completely.
Furthermore, Mundakir explained that online gambling has highly addictive characteristics. Easy access through personal devices, the lure of quick riches, and the anonymity of digital platforms make individuals feel free from social scrutiny. This combination creates a trap that is difficult to escape—especially for those under pressure or experiencing boredom. Addicted individuals often find it difficult to resist the urge to gamble and may neglect debt risks, job loss, or social breakdowns to continue chasing the addictive “reward.” This is due to dopamine effects in the brain that constantly seek instant gratification, pushing individuals to drain savings, take out loans, or fall into debt to maintain that sensation.
This situation requires intervention from multiple sectors. The government is currently drafting a Presidential Regulation on the 2025–2029 Roadmap for Online Child Protection. This is part of a long-term strategy to curb the damage caused by the unregulated digital world. The National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) has also developed a content detection system to monitor online gambling and other harmful content. Additionally, the government is accelerating the Child-Friendly Cities and Regencies initiative, which includes specific indicators for protection from online gambling threats.
However, regulation and oversight alone are not enough. Families must serve as the first line of defense. Parents need to be more attentive to behavioral changes in their children. Sudden frequent borrowing of money, increased irritability when reprimanded, or withdrawal from family interactions may be signs of online gambling addiction. Mundakir emphasized the importance of early detection and close observation by those closest to the child. He noted that successful recovery depends heavily on how quickly the problem is identified. Emotional support, clear boundaries, and digital literacy education are critical to protecting children from the harmful influence of online gambling.
Several ministries and agencies have initiated social movements such as limiting gadget use, establishing no-gadget times at home, and launching the “one hour screen-free daily” campaign. These efforts need to be expanded and implemented consistently. Mundakir also stressed the need for mass education targeting schools, families, and communities. Strong digital literacy will enable the public to better filter online content and resist the temptations of gambling platforms.
Ultimately, the fight against online gambling is not just a matter of law enforcement—it is a battle to safeguard the nation’s mental health. Without decisive action, we risk allowing the younger generation to fall into an addiction that destroys their future. As Mundakir aptly warned, without serious collaboration from all sectors, the country may soon face a mental health crisis caused by the systemic damage of online gambling. If we fail to act now, that crisis will become a heavy burden in the years to come.
