Deputy Speaker of the MPR Urges Comprehensive Measures to Prevent Children's Exposure to Online Gambling
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat, has urged for comprehensive and collaborative measures to prevent children from being exposed to online gambling.
“Preventing children and teenagers from being exposed to online gambling must be done immediately and on a large scale to protect the future generation of the nation,” she said in a statement in Jakarta, Friday.
The statement was made in response to the latest data from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) which shows that nearly 200,000 Indonesian children have been exposed to online gambling, including 80,000 children under the age of 10.
According to her, this figure is a serious threat that can disrupt national human resource development, especially for children, as they may lose their understanding of process, effort, and the values of honesty.
“This is not just a financial threat, but also a crisis in the character formation of the nation’s future generation,” she emphasised.
She also encouraged comprehensive protection in the digital space and strict law enforcement against online gambling syndicates.
Measurable targets for protection policies, supported by various institutions, should be immediately communicated to the public to ensure the effectiveness of the planned prevention measures.
“A number of reporting and recovery mechanisms for child victims of online gambling, including counselling and psychosocial rehabilitation services, must be realised immediately,” added the legislator in charge of education and youth affairs.
According to her, comprehensive protection for children in the digital space must be realised by building strong collaboration between families, schools, communities and the government.
Previously, Minister of Komdigi, Meutya Hafid, revealed that nearly 200,000 children in Indonesia have been exposed to online gambling, including about 80,000 children under the age of 10. This data is a serious alarm for the future of young people.
“Online gambling is a scam where the system ensures that players almost always lose in the long run,” said Meutya at the Indonesia GOID event in Medan, Wednesday (13/5).
Therefore, Meutya emphasised that all parties must be at the forefront of education, reminding each other, and protecting families and children from the widespread illegal practice.
According to her, combating online gambling is not enough by simply cutting off access and taking legal action, but it is also necessary to strengthen digital literacy and public awareness.