The controversy surrounding online gambling continues to trouble Indonesia. Allegations of Indonesian politicians’ involvement in online gambling networks based in Cambodia have stirred public debate and raised concerns about the government’s commitment.
Some have even accused the state of failing to curb the growing threat of online gambling, which increasingly targets lower-income communities.
Andreas Budi Widyanta, a sociologist from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), explained the reasons behind the rapid spread of online gambling amid the country’s economic downturn.
“Since the emergence of digital technology, online gambling has become part of the challenge. It’s a system built with gamification, which creates excitement and pleasure that keep people playing,” said Widyanta on Tuesday (Apr. 22) at the UGM Campus.
According to him, many people do not realize that winning or losing in online gambling is not about luck but about a system designed to induce addiction.
Ultimately, the system is created to benefit the corporations behind it. Easy access and system simplification have also contributed significantly to the widespread entrapment of individuals.
Widyanta explained that the digital ecosystem strongly supports accessibility to online gambling, including links to mobile banking, top-up services, and even online loans.
The digital system enables all these services to be interconnected, allowing users to transfer money with just a few taps on their devices.
“This vicious cycle is all connected, and victims often lose control over their desires and addictions,” said Widyanta.
With a population of over 284 million people, Indonesia is an attractive market for online gambling companies.
The number of internet users continues to grow each year. Widyanta added that online gambling could also be used as a technopolitical tool for political intervention or exploitation.
“The online gambling issue is not rooted in just one sector. It has infiltrated many areas, is interconnected, and difficult to manage,” the expert said.
Regarding the alleged involvement of Indonesian politicians in online gambling networks, Widyanta acknowledged that it is no secret that anyone can be drawn into the system.
Online gambling targets indiscriminately, regardless of socioeconomic status, position, or nationality, making anyone susceptible, whether as a victim or a perpetrator.
“It’s not surprising if public officials are involved or political parties are affiliated. This reflects how the state is not a singular entity, even officials can participate,” Widyanta explained.
Widyanta expressed concern over the government’s lack of concrete commitment to addressing and eradicating online gambling. He emphasized that no strong legal framework or dedicated institutions tackle the issue.
In terms of capacity, competence, and knowledge, the government is still unprepared to face the challenges of digital technology.
“I’d say the state is not present when it comes to protecting citizens’ rights. Especially when it comes to personal data protection, the government has done very little. We are a country that is simply not ready,” he said firmly.
Nevertheless, Widyanta suggested several steps that can still be taken. First, raising digital awareness is crucial. At the very least, people should understand how digital systems work to avoid harmful aspects, including online gambling.
The greatest danger of online gambling is that it allows victims to bet happily without realizing they are trapped in the system.
Second, the government must strengthen digital regulations, particularly personal data protection. This refers to the state’s authority to regulate how digital corporations operate in Indonesia, especially when dealing with citizens’ data.
Third, efforts to enforce the law must be improved. This is not only about online gambling; weak law enforcement hinders efforts to fight corruption, nepotism, and other issues.
“Once again, we often see that the law tends to be harsher on the weak. Many cases show the weakening of legal institutions and instruments,” Widyanta concluded.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Berita Satu