Indonesia warns of growing child exposure to online gambling
Nearly 200,000 minors have reportedly been exposed to online gambling content.
Indonesia.- The government of Indonesia has raised concerns over the exposure of children to online gambling, describing the issue as a serious threat to minors’ safety and development. According to Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi, data from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs shows that close to 200,000 Indonesian children have been exposed to online gambling. Around 80,000 of those affected are reportedly under the age of 10.
Fauzi said the situation should not be treated only as a behavioural problem, but as a form of digital exploitation. She said minors can easily encounter gambling-related content through hidden advertisements, online games containing betting elements, influencer promotions and digital payment systems that they may not fully understand.
The minister said that stronger child protection policies in the digital space must become a national priority and that law enforcement alone will not solve the problem. She called for a broader strategy focused on prevention, digital education, parental supervision and continuous emotional support for children and families.
