Independent Report – The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center has revealed that online gambling transactions in Jakarta are among the highest in Indonesia. According to recent data, Jakarta now ranks second in the nation for online gambling transactions, only behind West Java.
In response to these findings, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that this trend is understandable. He pointed out that the large population and widespread technology usage in Jakarta make residents more vulnerable to online gambling exposure.
“It’s only natural because the population is large, and almost everyone uses a smartphone in their daily lives,” Pramono remarked during an interview in Jakarta on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The senior politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to eradicate online gambling. He argued that blocking access to gambling websites should be the first step in this effort.
In his view, this measure would be far more effective than merely conducting awareness campaigns. “If we are truly serious about eradicating this issue, gambling sites must be completely shut down. Whoever is behind it must be prosecuted. Without this, campaigns will not have much impact,” Pramono said.
He cited examples of countries that have successfully reduced online gambling by strictly blocking access to digital platforms. However, Pramono acknowledged that the power to block websites does not lie with the Jakarta Provincial Government.
“We don’t have the authority to do this. Therefore, there needs to be collaboration with the central government and relevant agencies to ensure that access to these sites is fully closed,” he concluded.
In the first quarter of 2025, PPATK head Ivan shared that five provinces had the highest volume of online gambling transactions, including West Java, Jakarta, Central Java, Banten, and East Java. Previously, Jakarta ranked fifth in the same period last year. This year, however, it has surged to the second position, showing a significant increase in the volume of online gambling transactions in the capital.
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“The trend indicates that although Jakarta has a smaller population compared to other provinces, online gambling transactions have grown considerably. It is only behind West Java in terms of activity,” Ivan explained during a presentation on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
This shift in rankings highlights the alarming rise in online gambling activity in Jakarta. Despite its smaller population, the city’s rapid technological penetration and the easy accessibility of online platforms contribute to the growing prevalence of this issue. The widespread use of smartphones and the internet makes it increasingly difficult to prevent residents from accessing gambling sites, which can have serious social and economic consequences.
Governor Pramono has reiterated that the only way to effectively combat this issue is through a strict, coordinated effort between regional and national authorities. He emphasized that local governments alone cannot tackle the problem, as they lack the legal authority to block gambling websites. Instead, Pramono called for a united front between the central government, law enforcement, and other relevant agencies to ensure the successful closure of these sites.
Despite his concerns about the limitations of local government power, Pramono’s commitment to tackling the issue remains firm. He has urged national authorities to recognize the growing problem in Jakarta and take action before it escalates further. Without immediate intervention and cooperation, he warned that the problem of online gambling could continue to worsen, with serious implications for the community.
The governor’s stance has sparked discussions among local officials and residents about the need for more stringent regulations and enforcement. While Jakarta is not alone in dealing with this issue, its high ranking in online gambling transactions underscores the urgency of finding solutions to curb the activity.
Overall, the increase in online gambling transactions in Jakarta serves as a wake-up call for both local and national authorities. It is clear that without stronger efforts to block access to these sites and crack down on illegal activities, the problem will continue to grow, potentially impacting the city’s social fabric and economy. As Jakarta moves forward in addressing this issue, collaboration between various levels of government and agencies will be essential to create lasting solutions.
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