Bandung's Bojongloa Kaler Among Top 10 Subdistricts in Indonesia for Online Gambling Players

The subdistrict of Bojongloa Kaler in Bandung has been ranked among the top 10 nationally for the number of online gambling players, recording 5,090 participants. The data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) places Cengkareng in West Jakarta first with 21,493 players, followed by Cakung in East Jakarta with 14,664, and Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta with 13,769. Bojongloa Kaler is tenth on the list, just below Baleendah in Bandung Regency which has 5,910 players.

Responding to the findings, Bandung Deputy Mayor Erwin urged that online gambling addicts be treated by psychiatrists, similar to victims of drug abuse. He stated that players become addicted and find it very difficult to stop, necessitating rehabilitation. Erwin stressed that the most important preventative measure is a strong religious foundation, proposing reinforced programmes such as preacher training in every urban village.

He warned that the effects of gambling are severe, noting that besides the money being illicit, it offers no benefit and can lead to the breakdown of households. Erwin highlighted that gambling addiction can drive individuals to sell all their possessions and even commit criminal acts, describing the impact as more devastating than drugs. He advocated for strengthening moral character through religious education in Bojongloa Kaler and plans to discuss potential policies with the Mayor of Bandung.