200,000 Children Exposed to Online Gambling: Roadmap for Protection Must Be Implemented
The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, has expressed deep concern over the rising number of children exposed to online gambling. According to data from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, approximately 200,000 children in Indonesia have been exposed to this form of online gambling.
This situation is considered a serious warning for the safety and well-being of children. According to Arifah, children’s involvement in online gambling is not just an individual behavioral issue but a form of vulnerability to exploitation in the digital space that requires systematic handling.
Minister Arifah emphasized that law enforcement alone is not enough to break the chain of online gambling involving children. She urged for the accelerated implementation of the Presidential Regulation on the Roadmap for Child Protection in the Digital Realm (PARD).
“The protection approach cannot rely solely on legal action but must be strengthened through prevention efforts, education, supervision, and ongoing support,” said Arifah in a statement on Sunday (17/5).
Through PARD, the government will implement strategic steps including:
In this effort, the Ministry of PPPA places families as the first line of defense. Parents are asked to actively monitor their children’s digital activities and build open communication to recognize risks early on. To support this, the Ministry of PPPA is working with Save the Children Indonesia to develop modules for parenting in the digital age.
In addition to families, educational institutions also have a major responsibility in building a healthy digital culture. Arifah emphasized that children who have been exposed should be seen as victims who deserve recovery without stigma.
“The Ministry of PPPA encourages strengthening support services and cross-sectoral referrals. Children are victims who must be protected, recovered, and supported,” she concluded.
This synergy involves various parties, ranging from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, law enforcement agencies, to digital platform providers, to create a child-friendly internet ecosystem. (Fik/I-1)
The Minister of PPPA believes that this case shows that there are still children who have to struggle in difficult circumstances to obtain education.
Supervision of this policy will focus on the aspect of child protection, including ensuring that children’s rights in the digital space are still met.
The strengthening of SIMFONI PPA is an effort to align steps and strengthen cross-sectoral synergy in handling cases involving women and children.
Arifah emphasized the importance of promoting independence and building a decent future for children with disabilities.
Minister Wihaji hopes that after this activity, young people can become the next generation who are part of the demographic dividend.