Tighter regulations hoped for in Indonesia to safeguard minors from gambling risks
Indonesia is set to introduce a new wave of government regulations aimed at eradicating online gambling and safeguarding children from the potential harm of digital platforms [1]. The proposed regulations, known as the Government Regulation on Online Gambling Eradication, will impose responsibilities and penalties on entities that enable online gambling, including internet service providers (ISPs), financial technology companies, and digital platforms.
One of the key concerns driving these rules is the accessibility of gambling platforms by minors. The regulation is expected to mandate age verification systems, child safety protocols on gambling sites, and increased parental oversight to safeguard youth from exposure to harmful online gambling content.
Offenders involved in online gambling activities could face penalties of up to 10 years in prison, and sanctions will be strengthened and explicitly stated in the new regulation. ISPs will be required to implement continuous monitoring and risk mitigation systems to prevent misuse of their infrastructure for gambling purposes. Financial service providers will also be held responsible for blocking transactions related to online gambling.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, along with law enforcement, will actively participate in enforcement. Recent efforts include blocking over 1.3 million gambling-related internet links between October 2024 and May 2025. The government seeks cooperation with global digital platforms such as Meta to bolster efforts in removing online gambling content and accounts.
The new regulations aim to create a safer digital environment, especially for children, by curbing illegal gambling's accessibility and impact within the country. The measures represent a holistic approach combining legal sanctions, technical controls, platform accountability, and child protection efforts.
Alongside tackling online gambling, the government has reactivated a national movement to address violence against children. Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, deputy for coordination of family and population quality improvement, called for joint efforts to raise awareness about violence against children. She emphasized the need for collaboration to address challenges related to sexual violence and violence against children in general.
Violence against children remains high despite existing efforts, according to Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum. The government has urged national insurer BPJS to cover victims of violence. The new regulation will focus on protecting victims, especially children, and introduce tough sanctions against gambling platforms.
The Government of Indonesia is also drafting a separate regulation, PP Tunas, which focuses on protecting children in the digital world. Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, emphasized the need for joint efforts to protect children in the digital space.
President Prabowo Subianto has also urged more preventive action against online gambling. Gambling addiction is linked to rising crime and an increase in high-interest loans in Indonesia. 71 percent of these online gambling users earned less than IDR 5 million per month (about $315), highlighting concerns about the financial risks faced by lower-income groups.
These measures come after the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs blocked 1.07 million Indonesians from participating in online gambling in the first quarter of 2025, according to PPATK. The government's efforts to combat online gambling and protect children in the digital realm are a testament to its commitment to creating a safer and more secure digital environment for all.
The Government of Indonesia is drafting a separate regulation, PP Tunas, which focuses specifically on protecting children in the digital world. This is in addition to the new regulations aimed at eradicating online gambling, as the government seeks to address both issues and create a safer digital environment for children.
The new regulations on online gambling, especially the mandate for age verification systems and child safety protocols, are part of the broader politics of general news, including crime and justice, as they aim to combat the potential harm of digital platforms and protect children from exposure to harmful content.
