Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology (Kominfo), Budi Arie Setiadi, has outlined concrete steps in the government’s ongoing fight against online gambling, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to tackling this growing issue. Budi emphasized that the online gambling eradication strategy has been carefully crafted and will be sustained over time.
“This strategy encompasses the scope of online gambling content, policy priorities, work programs, strict supervision, decisive action, and meaningful participation from stakeholders,” Budi stated in a press release on Saturday, October 19.
The crackdown on online gambling is being executed under Ministerial Decree No. 521 of 2024, which details the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (Kominfo) strengthened commitment to online gambling eradication activities.
The decree outlines various aspects of online gambling content management, including apps, accounts, advertisements, websites, billing systems of operators, and promotional materials such as images, videos, audio, and written content.
“All of these measures are aimed at continuously ensuring the eradication of online gambling-related content, which undermines the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our society,” said the Minister.
Budi went on to describe online gambling as a serious threat to society, stating that it must be eradicated through strategic and uncompromising measures.
“Kominfo is fully committed to fighting all forms of promotion, facilitation, and solicitation related to online gambling,” he added.
The ministry will regularly monitor the progress of its online gambling crackdown and report the results to the public via its official website.
“We ensure transparency in the implementation of this strategy by continuously updating information on the number of gambling websites, accounts, and content that have been shut down each week,” the Minister explained.
Budi Arie also stressed the importance of digital literacy campaigns and outreach efforts, particularly aimed at vulnerable groups who are often the primary targets of online gambling. He emphasized that the battle against online gambling must be fought from both ends.
“Kominfo will continue to facilitate efforts to eliminate online gambling from top to bottom through innovative and collaborative approaches,” he asserted.
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Alongside the issuance of Decree 521/2024, Kominfo has also released Ministerial Instruction No. 1 of 2024 on the Eradication of Online Gambling Activities, directed at all leadership officials within the ministry.
“This instruction mandates all work units within Kominfo, including electronic system operators and telecommunications networks, to take concrete steps in eradicating online gambling,” Budi clarified. The instruction reiterates the ministry’s ongoing and unwavering commitment to this fight.
Online Gambling Transactions Decline
Budi further revealed that recent data from Ivan Yustiavandana, head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), shows that Kominfo’s efforts, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, have significantly reduced online gambling transactions by over 50% over the past 15 months.
“Yesterday, I received direct information from Mr. Ivan, the head of PPATK, who told me that what we’ve done over the past year has drastically reduced gambling transactions. According to him, without decisive action, online gambling transactions could have reached Rp900 trillion this year. But with our firm stance, Mr. Ivan predicts we can reduce it to below Rp200 trillion, around Rp174 trillion. This is a truly significant reduction, one that we’ve never seen before,” Budi explained.
The Communications Minister expressed hope that these two policy measures would serve as a solid foundation for the country’s continued fight against online gambling. He emphasized the need for consistent enforcement to maintain the effectiveness of these efforts.
“I will never compromise with online gambling. I’m doing this out of love for the people. I don’t want to see families destroyed, their finances in ruins, or people falling into depression, even to the point of selling their children or committing suicide because of gambling. It deeply saddens me,” he said.
“That’s why I am grateful to hear from Mr. Ivan that our efforts have visibly reduced gambling transactions by more than 50%. We cannot back down now—our resolve must continue for the sake of the people!” Budi Arie concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
