By: Arda Sabri*
The Indonesian government is tightening its efforts to eradicate the rapidly growing online gambling networks. President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the importance of stricter regulations to comprehensively address this issue. In response, the government is preparing a Government Regulation (PP) that will provide a stronger legal foundation for combating online gambling.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, stated that the government has blocked nearly one million online gambling websites. However, she stressed that this effort alone is not enough to completely dismantle gambling networks. Therefore, the government will strengthen cooperation with various related agencies, including the police and the Attorney General’s Office, to ensure more effective action against those behind this illegal business.
Additionally, special attention is being given to protecting children from exposure to harmful digital content. President Prabowo has called for updates to regulations concerning child protection in the digital realm, which are currently in the finalization stage. These regulations are expected to be implemented soon to safeguard children from negative impacts, including involvement in online gambling.
In the financial sector, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) has taken concrete steps by blocking 8,618 bank accounts suspected of being used for online gambling transactions. Acting Head of the Department of Financial Literacy, Inclusion, and Communication at OJK, M. Ismail Riyadi, emphasized that this policy is part of the government’s commitment to maintaining the stability of the national financial sector. Additionally, banks have been urged to tighten their identification systems using the National Identification Number (NIK) and implement Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) to close loopholes that online gambling operators exploit for financial transactions.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to maintain Indonesia’s economic resilience. By cutting off the flow of funds to online gambling networks, the government is not only working to reduce illegal activities but also preventing capital outflow, which could negatively impact national economic stability.
In the realm of digital space oversight, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) is actively involved in restricting access to platforms facilitating online gambling. One decisive action taken was the temporary blocking of access to digitaloceanspaces.com after discovering 123 subdomains within the site containing gambling content.
Director-General of Digital Space Supervision at Kemkomdigi, Alexander Sabar, explained that this access restriction was implemented based on Law No. 1 of 2024 and Minister of Communication and Information Regulation No. 5 of 2020 concerning the Implementation of Electronic Systems. This action aims to ensure that the digital space remains safe and free from activities that harm society.
Kemkomdigi continues to coordinate with digital platform providers to ensure that blocked sites are no longer used to distribute gambling content. Access normalization will only be granted once the site is completely free from illegal content. The government also encourages the public to play an active role in reporting websites suspected of being linked to online gambling to accelerate eradication efforts.
Despite various measures taken, the challenge of eliminating online gambling remains significant. Advanced technology enables online gambling operators to continuously find loopholes in digital security systems. One major challenge is the emergence of new gambling sites with different domains each time a block is imposed. Therefore, the government’s strategy goes beyond just blocking sites—it also involves proactive approaches such as strengthening regulations and real-time monitoring of suspicious online activities.
Beyond technological challenges, social aspects are also a major concern. Many individuals trapped in online gambling come from lower-middle economic backgrounds. Economic hardship often becomes the primary reason for someone to try their luck in online gambling. Unfortunately, most end up suffering significant financial losses, leading to more complex financial problems. Therefore, the government is also working to improve financial literacy so that people better understand the risks of online gambling and can manage their finances more effectively.
The government recognizes that prevention is far more effective than merely enforcing the law. Hence, education has become one of the main pillars of the strategy to combat online gambling. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted through various media, including television, radio, and digital platforms. The goal is to provide a broader understanding of the dangers of online gambling and the legal consequences that may ensnare its perpetrators.
Moreover, international cooperation is essential, given that many online gambling platforms are operated from abroad. The government needs to establish partnerships with other countries to track and shut down transnational gambling networks. Some countries have already implemented strict regulations on online gambling, and Indonesia can learn from their experiences in strengthening digital protection systems.
In tackling online gambling, the government understands that law enforcement alone is insufficient. Therefore, the strategy being implemented encompasses multiple aspects, from stricter regulations and tighter financial transaction monitoring to enhancing digital literacy among the public.
Through the policies already in place and those to come, the government is demonstrating its seriousness in dismantling online gambling networks. Support from all elements of society is a key factor in ensuring the success of these efforts.
**Public Policy Analyst