Combating Online Gambling Requires a Holistic Approach Involving Universities and Technology
Rectorate Building, UIN News Online — The Head of the Career Center at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, Muhammad Kholis Hamdy, stated that efforts to eradicate online gambling must be carried out holistically by involving various societal elements, including universities, industries, religious figures, and the state.
Kholis delivered this statement during a public discussion titled “The War Against Online Gambling: Protecting the Generation, Safeguarding the Nation”, organized by the Directorate General of Information and Public Communication (KPM) of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) in Jakarta.
According to Kholis, there are five main approaches that must be implemented to comprehensively combat online gambling. First, the participation of digital communities in preventing the spread of gambling content. “Community involvement is vital as the front line in reporting and rejecting harmful content,” he said.
Second, psychological interventions are needed to address addiction to digital gambling. He emphasized the importance of involving professional psychologists and educational institutions in providing effective techniques and methods to reduce playing duration and dependency.
The third is an educational and awareness approach. Kholis highlighted the need for strong narratives and victim testimonies as part of public campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of online gambling. “Universities have a significant role in conveying ethical and legal values to students and society,” he asserted.
Fourth, cross-sector synergy between academia, government, and industry is deemed essential. He appreciated the establishment of the Online Gambling Task Force led by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs but stressed that the education sector—including the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology—must play a more active role in integrating anti-gambling content into the curriculum.
The fifth is strengthening the role of the local environment and community leaders. He noted that moral and social support from local communities greatly influences collective opinions and actions in combating gambling practices.
Furthermore, Kholis pointed out that a technological approach is also crucial. “The government must consistently strengthen digital security systems to block access to gambling websites,” he explained, citing the successful blocking of millions of accounts as a positive initial step.
He also encouraged the active role of universities through research, thematic community service (KKN), and integrated curricula. “Students conducting KKN must go into communities equipped with an understanding that online gambling is a social issue, not just a legal one,” he said.
Theoretically, Kholis urged all parties to adopt a social constructionist perspective in understanding online gambling—viewing it not merely as a matter of individual moral failure, but as a consequence of structural inequality and socioeconomic pressure.
“Online gambling is a complex issue that cannot be solved through a single approach. We need comprehensive collaboration involving all parties—from the state and academics to society at large,” Kholis concluded.
This article was published in the Opinion column of KABARPAS on May 11, 2025. The author is a Lecturer in the Social Welfare Study Program and Head of the Career Center at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Read the full article at: https://www.kabarpas.com/m-kholis-hamdy-berantas-judi-online-butuh-pendekatan-holistik-libatkan-kampus-hingga-teknologi/