TLDR
- Indonesia says nearly 200,000 children have been exposed to online gambling, with 80,000 under the age of ten
- Officials warn the trend poses a serious risk to future generations as gambling systems are designed for players to lose
- The government says website blocking and raids alone are not enough to fight the problem
- Authorities are calling on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to remove gambling ads
- Officials linked online gambling to family financial collapse and domestic abuse cases across the country
Indonesia Sounds Alarm Over Children and Online Gambling
Indonesia’s government has revealed that nearly 200,000 children in the country have been exposed to online gambling content. The warning came during an anti-online gambling event held in Medan.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology Meutya Hafid shared the figures at the event. She said around 80,000 of the affected children are under ten years old.
Hafid called the trend dangerous for future generations. She said the online gambling system is built to ensure that players eventually lose their money.
The minister said the scale of children’s exposure shows how widespread gambling has become among adults in Indonesia. She framed the issue as a social problem, not just a law enforcement matter.
All forms of gambling are illegal in Indonesia under the country’s criminal laws. Authorities have increased crackdowns in recent years on offshore operators and advertising campaigns targeting Indonesian users.
However, Hafid said that blocking websites and conducting raids would not be enough on their own. She called for digital literacy programs and public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks.
The minister stressed that the government needs to communicate directly with the public. She said people must develop their own awareness rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.
Impact on Families and Communities
Hafid also spoke about the broader social harm caused by online gambling. She said some families have experienced total financial collapse tied to gambling addiction.
There have also been reported cases of domestic abuse linked to household members with gambling problems. The minister said this harm is why the government treats gambling as a wider public concern.
She said cooperation among government institutions, police forces, and internet platforms must be strengthened. Authorities now view online gambling as a threat that can reach into homes and communities.
Hafid emphasized that both prevention and education are needed to address the issue. She said enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.
Pressure on Social Media Platforms
The minister said gambling advertising on social media has become increasingly aggressive in targeting Indonesian users. She called on major platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to remove gambling ads.
Hafid said that everyone involved in online gambling should share equal moral and legal responsibility. Her message was directed at both government agencies and the digital platforms that shape what users see.
She also asked religious leaders, social communities, and family members to serve as the first line of defense. The goal is to prevent gambling promotion from reaching vulnerable populations.
The ministry said it will continue blocking online gambling websites and advertisements. Hafid added that stronger cooperation across all sectors of society is needed to protect children and families from the growing reach of illegal online gambling in Indonesia.
