OJK Warns of Dangers of Online Gambling Disguised as Digital Games
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) Tasikmalaya has issued a serious warning regarding the increasingly easy access to internet-based gambling for various levels of society in East Priangan. Online gambling practices are now reported to have spread among students and civil servants through various digital game modes.
Head of OJK Tasikmalaya, Nofa Hermawati, revealed that online gambling does not always appear in the form of conventional, blatant gambling sites. A new mode discovered is infiltrating through various digital games popular with teenagers. These games often ask users to deposit a sum of money to continue playing or add certain features.
“Many young people in the cities and regencies of East Priangan are unknowingly exposed through the games they play, which then ask for a deposit when they want to add to the game. This condition is one that needs to be watched out for, because it forms risky transaction habits from school age,” said Nofa Hermawati on Sunday (23/8/2026).
Nofa stressed that handling this phenomenon is not enough with appeals to stay away from online gambling. Massive financial literacy education and strengthening the role of parents in supervising children’s digital activities are needed. Parents are expected to be able to recognise financial transaction patterns so that children do not fall into the trap of risky games.
As a concrete step, OJK is promoting the Financial Education and Literacy Movement for Students (Genius) programme. This programme is designed so that students understand the importance of managing money wisely, building saving habits, and not being easily tempted by consumerist trends.
“We encourage the Genius programme because it is directed so that students understand the importance of managing money wisely. However, the role of parents at home must be active in supervising their children so that online gambling games can be anticipated,” she added.
The phenomenon of online gambling among young people is also triggered by the urge to follow trends, such as the desire to own electronic devices or popular gadgets. This often triggers students and families to make financial decisions without careful calculation.
In addition to students, OJK noted a significant increase in online gambling access among informal sector workers and civil servants, including those approaching retirement. OJK emphasised the importance of better financial management for these vulnerable groups so they do not get trapped in harmful digital activities.
“Online gambling access shows an extraordinary increase. The games do not only involve students, but many civil servants and informal sector workers. Employees approaching retirement also need attention so that their financial management is better,” concluded Nofa.