Indonesia's Battle Against Online Gambling: A Digital Crackdown

In an era where the digital landscape is continuously evolving, the Indonesian government has taken a firm stance against the proliferation of online gambling. Budi Arie Setiadi, the Minister of Communications and Informatics (Kominfo), is spearheading this initiative, emphasizing the need for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to align with governmental efforts. Here's a rundown of the key takeaways from this ongoing digital crackdown:

• Government Mandate to ISPs: ISPs are urged to cooperate by automatically updating their systems with Kominfo's Positive Trust DNS to block online gambling content.
• Compliance Status: Currently, only 35% out of 1,011 ISPs have complied with automatic synchronization to curb negative online content.
• Policy Enforcement: Non-compliant ISPs face strict repercussions, including the potential revocation of operating permits, as per telecommunications law and regulations.
• National Stance on Gambling: Indonesia maintains a strict prohibition on all forms of gambling, endorsing severe penalties for violations.

During a virtual press conference in South Jakarta, Minister Budi highlighted the critical role of ISPs in combating the spread of online gambling. He revealed that a mere 35% of ISPs have taken the initiative to sync automatically with the Kominfo Positive Trust DNS, a mechanism designed to filter out and block access to online gambling sites and other forms of negative content. The minister issued a stern warning, stating that ISPs failing to support the government's eradication efforts would be publicly announced and could face the revocation of their permits.

This measure is grounded in Law Number 36 of 1999 concerning Telecommunications, along with its subsequent amendments, and is further supported by Minister of Communication and Information Regulation Number 13 of 2019. These legal frameworks underscore the government's determination to safeguard digital spaces from the harms of illegal gambling.

The challenge of illegal online gambling is not new to Indonesia, a country where all forms of gambling are strictly forbidden and met with severe penalties. In response to the growing issue, the government established a task force in April, dedicated to addressing and eliminating online gambling activities. This initiative has led to the blocking of numerous websites, marking a significant step in the government's clampdown on illegal online activities.

Engage with Us: What are your thoughts on Indonesia's approach to curbing online gambling? Do you think the current measures are effective, or is there more that can be done? Share your views in the comments below.

(First reported by: Ministry of Communications and Informatics Indonesia, Date of the press conference)

The Indonesian government's stance against online gambling is a testament to its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the digital ecosystem. As the battle against digital vices continues, the cooperation between the government and ISPs will be paramount in shaping a safe and secure online environment for all Indonesians.