By: Dewi Silalahi*
In recent years, the Indonesian government has shown a strong commitment to eradicating online gambling, which is increasingly disturbing society. This effort received high appreciation from various groups, including religious figures who play an important role in the social and spiritual life of society.
Religious figures, with their broad influence, play a major role in shaping public opinion and upholding moral values in society. Their appreciation for the government’s firm steps is an important indicator that these actions are not only relevant, but also support collective efforts in maintaining the nation’s moral integrity.
President Joko Widodo (President Jokowi) himself has invited all religious figures and the wider community to report if there are any indications of online gambling. According to President Jokowi, personal defense is a way to avoid online gambling. He said that the government had made a number of efforts to eradicate and combat online gambling, including closing 2.1 million online gambling sites and forming an online gambling task force (Task Force).
President Jokowi also reminded all people not to gamble, both online and offline, and asked people to use the money they have for business capital or savings. President Jokowi said that the act of gambling has many negative impacts on society, ranging from crime, violence that causes casualties, property being sold out, to husband and wife divorcing because of gambling. He emphasized that gambling is not only risking money, but also the future of oneself, one’s family and one’s children.
Online gambling is not only a legal issue, but also a serious moral and social issue. Gambling is behavior that is destructive to oneself and one’s family, and is contrary to religious teachings which teach to work hard and seek halal sustenance. Therefore, Ustadz Ahmad views the government’s efforts to eradicate online gambling as a very positive step and in line with religious values.
Online gambling has become a real threat to society, especially the younger generation. With easy internet access, children and teenagers can fall into this practice without adequate supervision from their parents. This can lead to addiction problems, mounting debt, and even other crimes. Therefore, government steps to block online gambling sites and arrest the main perpetrators are very necessary measures.
Community support, especially from religious circles, is very important to ensure the success of this step. All people must work together to combat the practice of online gambling, both through education and supervision in their respective environments.
Chairman of the DKI Jakarta Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU) Regional Management, KH Samsul Ma’arif, also expressed his support for the government’s efforts. Kiai Samsul encourages cooperation between religious leaders, mass organizations and religious institutions and the government to eradicate online gambling together. PWNU DKI Jakarta is open to holding further discussions with related agencies and institutions, especially the Communications and Information Service and Polda Metro Jaya, to find joint solutions to eradicate the practice of online gambling which is increasingly disturbing the public.
Kiai Samsul invites all elements of society to work together to eradicate the practice of online gambling. PWNU DKI Jakarta is ready to become a facilitator in efforts to eradicate the practice of online gambling in Jakarta. Kiai Samsul emphasized that ignoring the problem of online gambling is the same as being selfish in religion.
Another religious figure who also expressed appreciation was Father Antonius, a Catholic religious leader who was active in various social activities. Father Antonius highlighted that online gambling not only impacts individuals, but also has a domino effect that is detrimental to society at large. He noted that many families are being destroyed by gambling addiction, which in turn leads to increasing divorce rates, domestic violence, and other social problems. According to him, the government’s firm steps are a form of protection for family values which are the basis of the social structure of Indonesian society.
Meanwhile, a holistic approach in eradicating online gambling is also quite important. Apart from strict legal action, prevention efforts are also needed through education and moral development from an early age. In this case, the role of religious institutions is very crucial. Churches, mosques and other places of worship must become educational centers that make people aware of the dangers of gambling.
Apart from that, the public also needs to appreciate the cooperation between the government and religious institutions in this effort. The synergy between the two can create a conducive environment for eradicating gambling practices.
Overall, appreciation from religious figures shows that the government’s efforts to eradicate online gambling have received strong moral support from the public. It is hoped that the government’s firm and systematic steps, supported by the active role of religious figures, can create a society that is cleaner from the practice of gambling and other forms of immorality.
With good synergy between the government and religious leaders, Indonesia can continue to progress in building a morally and socially healthy society. This effort certainly requires continuous cooperation and support from all levels of society. Their support not only strengthens the government’s steps, but also gives hope that together, we can create a better future for future generations, free from the trap of online gambling and other forms of immorality.
*The author is a student from North Sumatra
