"Online gambling is a social disaster, a disease that damages the community's welfare," he said in a statement issued here on Tuesday,
He noted that online gambling addiction has an impact on various aspects such as economic, social, and psychological.
According to the minister, social media also plays a role in triggering online gambling addiction among people. The monitoring and anticipation of social media platforms for online gambling advertisements is not considered optimal yet.
After visiting Cipto Mangunkusumo National Public Hospital (RSCM) to meet people being treated for online gambling addiction, Iskandar said that these individuals were attracted to gambling by advertisements on social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Many users are exposed to gambling ads from the start, including promotions by celebrities and social media influencers. Once they become addicted, it is harder for them to escape because gambling-related ads and content continue to show up.
In this regard, he urged social media platforms and influencers to strictly filter online gambling advertisements.
"The effect is too big for our society. Online gambling creates new poverty and new problems in society," Iskandar said.
The Indonesian government is currently making efforts to eliminate online gambling practices in the country, including by blocking online gambling content on the Internet.
From October 20 to November 13, 2024, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs blocked as many as 283,230 items of online gambling content.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah,Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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