Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), through the Directorate of Informatics Application Control (PAI) under the Directorate General of Informatics Applications (Aptika), has removed 21,456 pieces of online gambling-related content from social media.
Among them are three Instagram accounts with significant followings: @jap.short with 284k followers, @sellbie with 154k followers, and @japan4trailer with 148k followers. These accounts were affiliated and proven to promote online gambling. “The government remains steadfast in eradicating online gambling and anything associated with it,” said Syofian Kurniawan, Acting Director of PAI, Komdigi, on Monday (11/25) in Jakarta.
From October 20 to November 25, 2024, Komdigi took down 374,175 online gambling-related content. This includes 344,869 contents from websites and IP addresses; 16,089 contents/accounts on Meta platforms; 8,083 files from file-sharing services; 3,235 contents from Google/YouTube; 1,698 contents on Platform X; 136 contents on Telegram; and 64 contents on TikTok. Syofian noted that since 2017, Komdigi has blocked 5,253,543 online gambling-related content as of November 25, 2024.
Syofian also highlighted the severe impact of online gambling, not just on finances but also on mental health. Gambling addiction can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Many individuals trapped in online gambling feel shame, anxiety, and hopelessness due to ongoing losses. Some even face social isolation as they try to hide their problems from others.
Studies indicate that gambling addiction can cause sleep disorders, loss of productivity, and family conflicts. In extreme cases, despair over gambling losses can lead to dangerous actions, including suicide attempts. Syofian emphasized the importance of understanding that gambling is not only about money but also about mental well-being. If you or someone close to you shows signs of gambling addiction, seeking professional help is crucial.
“Online gambling often tempts us with promises of significant profits in a short time. However, in reality, gambling frequently leads to financial losses. One crucial fact to remember is that online gambling is designed for players to lose more often than win. In practice, constant losses trap players in a cycle of debt,” Syofian concluded.
