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Online gambling, which has significantly increased recently, has become a major concern in Indonesia as it can compromise citizens’ personal data and financial security. The Indonesian government has intensified its efforts in monitoring and law enforcement against online gambling practices, which not only harm individuals but also have the potential to disrupt economic and social stability. Numerous cases related to fraud, money laundering, and other legal violations associated with online gambling activities have made it a primary focus of the national cybersecurity agenda.
The Ministry of Communication and Informatics of Indonesia continues to strengthen and expand its efforts to eradicate the continuously evolving and negatively impactful practice of online gambling. In an ongoing effort, the Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics, Nezar Patria, has emphasised the importance of implementing three fundamental values that guide the Ministry’s work in addressing this issue.
According to Deputy Minister, Nezar Patria, the development of online gambling practices is increasingly concerning, mainly because of their detrimental impact on the less fortunate. This practice drains individuals’ finances and often leads to broader social issues, including related crimes such as fraud and money laundering. Therefore, eradicating online gambling is a significant priority aimed at protecting and ensuring the welfare of the community.
This eradication is carried out through a series of actions, ranging from increased surveillance in cyberspace and collaboration between government agencies to the implementation of the latest information technology that enables more effective detection and prevention of illegal activities. Additionally, the Ministry actively conducts public awareness campaigns about the dangers and consequences of online gambling, strengthening regulations and punishments for those caught.
Through strong commitment and close cooperation across various sectors, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics is determined to create a safe and clean digital environment free from the harmful practices of online gambling.
Indonesia has taken significant steps in combating online gambling, which has become essential to the national cybersecurity agenda. In this regard, Article 303 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) has been adapted to handle cases of online gambling, allowing the law to trap perpetrators with stricter arrangements, primarily when the gambling operations are based in Indonesia.
Further, the government has implemented preventive and repressive measures to limit and eradicate cybercrime. These include crimes such as online fraud, hacking, and data forgery. These efforts aim to reduce incidents and enhance overall cybersecurity through improved investigative procedures and the implementation of the latest technology.
Institutionally, the government has developed a special division to handle cybercrime and strengthened the infrastructure supporting these operations. The Directorate of Broadband Development, under the Directorate General of Postal and Informatics Operations at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, is one of the main initiators in advancing technology, including developing and applying 5G technology, expected to enhance network capabilities and security significantly.
In a broader context, Indonesia has also implemented the Enforcement of Restriction of Community Activities (PPKM) since July 2021 to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to mobility restrictions and increased supervision of online activities, this policy has indirectly affected the operations and spread of illegal activities, including online gambling. The latest data shows a decrease in positive COVID-19 cases, indicating the effectiveness of this policy.
Other efforts that have been implemented to control cybercrime in Indonesia include:
- Tighter computer network monitoring and control.
- Ongoing development of cybersecurity technology.
- Enhanced capacity for network security surveillance.
All these initiatives demonstrate the Indonesian government’s strong commitment to protecting its citizens from the negative impacts of cybercrime and enhancing national digital security.
