200,000 Children Exposed to Online Gambling: DPR Member Criticises Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs: Don't Just Focus on Releasing Data
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian Parliament, Marwan Dasopang, has criticised the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) following the release of data showing that nearly 200,000 children in Indonesia have been exposed to online gambling.
Marwan believes that Komdigi should not only release data on children exposed to online gambling but also explain the concrete steps being taken to block access to online gambling sites and applications that are easily accessible to children.
“Therefore, we ask Komdigi not to just release data. Online gambling exists on applications and portals. What is the Minister of Komdigi doing about it? Don’t just focus on releasing data; we don’t know what steps are being taken,” said Marwan when contacted on Friday (15/5/2026).
According to him, the issue of online gambling among children cannot be solely addressed by ministries/agencies that handle child protection or victim recovery.
In fact, he said, the root of the problem lies in the easy access to online gambling sites.
“Now, it’s not just the poor, but even children are being exposed. I want to ask what steps Komdigi is taking? It’s the source of the problem. Meanwhile, the consequences are passed on to us,” said the PKB politician.
Marwan believes that tackling online gambling requires a cross-sectoral approach, as it is now affecting children and families.
Marwan also highlighted the budgetary constraints faced by agencies that handle child protection, such as KPAI and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA), in providing recovery services for victims of online gambling.
“Commission VIII only deals with children who have already been exposed. We then look for ways to handle cases and provide recovery. Recovery from trauma like this takes a long time,” he said.
According to Marwan, the public should question why children can easily access online gambling sites.
He also warned against the perception that there is a lack of action being taken to address the increasing access to online gambling in Indonesia.
“Don’t let it stop at just releasing data. We need to know why this is happening, why it is so easy, whether it is intentional or not. If it is intentional, what is the motive?” Marwan concluded.
Previously, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, revealed that nearly 200,000 children in Indonesia have been exposed to online gambling, including around 80,000 children under the age of 10, which is a serious concern for the future of the younger generation.