Navigating Online Gambling in Indonesia: Policy Analysis in Education Sectors

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Navigating Online Gambling in Indonesia: Policy Analysis in Education Sectors
Language: English
Authors: Basuki Rahmat, Didin Muhafidin
Source: Journal of Social Studies Education Research. 2026 17(1):97-134.
Availability: Journal of Social Studies Education Research. Serhat Mah. 1238/2 Sok. 7B Blok 12 Ostim, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey; Web site: http://jsser.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 38
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Students, Student Problems, Computer Mediated Communication, Internet, Educational Policy, School Policy, Policy Analysis, Student Participation, Federal Legislation, Compliance (Legal), Addictive Behavior, Computer Games, Debt (Financial)
Geographic Terms: Indonesia
ISSN: 1309-9108
Abstract: This article examines the implementation of online gambling policies in Indonesia's education sector, focusing on the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in preventing student involvement in online gambling. The proliferation of online gambling among Indonesian students has reached alarming levels, with approximately 960,000 university students reportedly engaged in such activities. This qualitative study employs a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of students involved in online gambling and stakeholders responsible for policy implementation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 35 participants, including 25 students with online gambling experience, 6 government officials from relevant agencies (Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Agency), and four university administrators. Document analysis of relevant laws, regulations, and institutional policies supplemented the interview data. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (1) student perceptions and motivations for online gambling, encompassing financial desperation, peer influence, digital illiteracy, and lifestyle aspirations; (2) regulatory frameworks and their implementation gaps, demonstrating that while Indonesia has comprehensive anti-gambling legislation, enforcement remains inconsistent and weak; (3) institutional responses and coordination challenges, highlighting fragmented efforts across agencies; and (4) policy effectiveness and obstacles, showing that despite blocking millions of gambling sites, the adaptive nature of online gambling platforms continues to outpace regulatory responses. The study concludes that current policies demonstrate strong governmental intent but suffer from implementation deficits, including weak law enforcement, inadequate inter-agency coordination, insufficient digital literacy programs, and limited international cooperation. Recommendations include strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration, enhancing technology-based monitoring systems, integrating comprehensive digital literacy education, and developing specialized support services for affected students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: EJ1517008
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This article examines the implementation of online gambling policies in Indonesia's education sector, focusing on the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in preventing student involvement in online gambling. The proliferation of online gambling among Indonesian students has reached alarming levels, with approximately 960,000 university students reportedly engaged in such activities. This qualitative study employs a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of students involved in online gambling and stakeholders responsible for policy implementation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 35 participants, including 25 students with online gambling experience, 6 government officials from relevant agencies (Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Agency), and four university administrators. Document analysis of relevant laws, regulations, and institutional policies supplemented the interview data. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (1) student perceptions and motivations for online gambling, encompassing financial desperation, peer influence, digital illiteracy, and lifestyle aspirations; (2) regulatory frameworks and their implementation gaps, demonstrating that while Indonesia has comprehensive anti-gambling legislation, enforcement remains inconsistent and weak; (3) institutional responses and coordination challenges, highlighting fragmented efforts across agencies; and (4) policy effectiveness and obstacles, showing that despite blocking millions of gambling sites, the adaptive nature of online gambling platforms continues to outpace regulatory responses. The study concludes that current policies demonstrate strong governmental intent but suffer from implementation deficits, including weak law enforcement, inadequate inter-agency coordination, insufficient digital literacy programs, and limited international cooperation. Recommendations include strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration, enhancing technology-based monitoring systems, integrating comprehensive digital literacy education, and developing specialized support services for affected students.
ISSN:1309-9108