Bogor DPRD Encourages New Regulations To Handle Online Gambling

BOGOR The rise of online gambling practices that infect various circles, especially the younger generation, encourages members of the Bogor City DPRD, Dedi Mulyono, to take firm steps. He is currently drafting a new Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) which is more comprehensive to deal with this problem in Bogor City.

There needs to be a stronger and more relevant legal instrument to the times. The old regional regulation has not touched the digital dimension, even though the circulation of money from online gambling in Bogor is very worrying," said Dedi, Friday, May 9.

Currently, Bogor City still relies on Regional Regulation Number 11 of 2005 concerning Prevention of Gambling Games as a legal basis. The regulation prohibits all forms of gambling games and stipulates a maximum imprisonment of six months or a fine of up to IDR 50 million. However, according to Dedi, the regulation is no longer adequate.

The 2005 regional regulation has not touched online gambling. There used to be no smartphones and betting sites like now. Gambling mode is now increasingly sophisticated, it even involves social media and chat applications," said the Commission 1 politician from the PKS faction.

Dedi's concern is based on data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which records Bogor City as the city with the second highest online gambling money turnover in Indonesia in 2023, with total transactions reaching Rp612 billion. South Bogor District is the most vulnerable area, with 3,720 perpetrators and transaction value reaching Rp349 billion.

"This data is a dangerous alarm. We can no longer take it lightly. If there is no serious intervention, our younger generation can be damaged in the future," said Dedi.

The Raperda that Dedi is currently preparing will include three main aspects: prevention, prosecution, and rehabilitation. He assessed that handling online gambling is not enough just by blocking the site or taking action against the perpetrators, but also needs early education and assistance for victims and their families.

Young people need strong digital literacy. Schools need to include an online anti-judicial curriculum, and victims' families must receive protection. We can't just blame the perpetrators, but we have to look at the social aspects too," he explained.

He also emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation, ranging from Diskominfo, the Education Office, Satpol PP, the police, community leaders, to RT and RW. If only charged to one OPD, it must not be strong. We need synergy so that there is no room for online gambling to grow," added Dedi.

In addition to the 2005 Regional Regulation, Bogor City has also issued Mayor Circular Number 100.3.4/2901-Kesra on June 28, 2024, which prohibits all forms of gambling, both conventional and online. The circular also asks all regional apparatus and environmental administrators to participate in socializing.

However, according to Dedi, the circular is not enough because it is only an appeal and does not yet have binding legal force.

"This is the time for Bogor City to have a special regional regulation on online gambling. Regulations that are relevant, progressive, and have forced force. We must protect the community, especially children and students, from this danger," he said.

Dedi stated that he would immediately submit a proposal from the Raperda to the Regional Regulation Formation Agency (Bapemperda) of the Bogor City DPRD so that it could be included in the Regional Legislation Program (Prolegda) next year.

"This is not just a discourse, but a real effort so that Bogor does not become a city that produces online gambling addicts. We have to move quickly before it's too late," he concluded.