New Regulation Expands Digital Oversight
Indonesia is gearing up to implement stricter regulations aimed at curbing online gambling, with particular emphasis on prevention and protecting minors. According to Antara News, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs plans to introduce the Government Regulation on Online Gambling Eradication, which will strengthen enforcement tools across the digital ecosystem.
Teguh Arifiyadi, Director for Certification and Electronic Transaction Supervision, explained that the new rules will apply to everyone directly or indirectly facilitating gambling. This includes internet service providers, fintech platforms, and digital service operators. Moreover, law enforcement agencies will play an active role in carrying out the regulation.
Internet Providers Face Higher Accountability
Under the draft regulation, internet providers must install risk mitigation systems and maintain continuous monitoring. Additionally, the government plans to enforce stricter compliance standards, with tougher penalties for those who fall short.
Arifiyadi warned that companies failing to meet these obligations—including platforms indirectly supporting illegal gambling—will face significant sanctions.
Protecting Young Users from Gambling Risks
Equally important, the proposed regulation will introduce robust measures to protect children. Many gambling sites accessible in Indonesia don’t verify users’ ages, making it easy for minors to participate. Arifiyadi expressed concern about the high number of young people already engaging in online gambling due to this oversight.
Meanwhile, House Representative Rieke Diah Pitaloka has urged the government to impose harsher penalties on public officials and community leaders caught gambling online, arguing that their behavior strongly influences the public.
Draft Nears Completion
Currently, the Ministry of Law is working to harmonize the draft regulation. Officials expect to complete this process in the near future, paving the way for formal implementation.
Altogether, these changes reflect Indonesia’s determination to tackle online gambling and safeguard vulnerable users, particularly the country’s youth.
