In a dimly lit room in Bandung, West Java, a father of two taps feverishly on his smartphone screen. His name is Surya, and his eyes are locked onto a mobile gambling game. Once, he was a hardworking man, earning up to four million rupiah ($250) a month, but gambling has taken over his life. “When I lost big, I was determined to win back what I lost no matter what — even if I had to borrow money,” the 36-year-old told, declining to use his real name. Now, Surya sends only a fraction of his earnings home, having lost most of it to the virtual casino.
Surya is not alone. Despite being illegal in Indonesia, a nation of over 270 million people, gambling remains a widespread issue. Last year, an estimated 3.7 million Indonesians engaged in illegal gambling, betting over $20 billion. This alarming statistic prompted President Joko Widodo to take action, forming a task force to combat the illegal trade. Yet, as Surya’s story illustrates, the lure of easy money continues to draw people in, threatening lives, families, and the social fabric of the country.
In recent years, the rise of the internet and mobile technology has revolutionized the way people gamble. Gone are the days of smoky gambling dens and back-alley card games; now, gambling is just a click away. Mobile gambling games and online betting sites, often hosted in countries like Cambodia and the Philippines, allow Indonesians to place bets from the comfort of their homes. Even as the government orders telecom providers to block these sites, determined gamblers find ways around the restrictions, using VPNs to bypass firewalls and access foreign platforms.
For people like Eno Saputra, a 36-year-old vegetable seller from South Sumatra, online gambling started as a casual hobby but quickly spiraled into addiction. Eno began buying lottery tickets five years ago and has since moved on to mobile gambling, spending at least 100,000 rupiah ($6.45) a day. Although he once won eight million rupiah, the wins are few and far between, with losses piling up. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to quit, for my children,” he said. “I know this is wrong and forbidden by my religion.”
The social costs of gambling addiction in Indonesia are staggering. A string of violent incidents, suicides, and family breakdowns linked to gambling has captured national attention. In one harrowing case, a policewoman in East Java set her husband on fire after discovering his gambling addiction. In another, a 48-year-old man in Central Sulawesi robbed and killed his mother to fund his habit. These tragedies highlight the devastating impact gambling can have, not only on individuals but also on their families and communities.
Islamic courts on Java island report an increase in divorce cases, with many women citing their husbands’ gambling habits as the reason for separation. The addiction doesn’t only destroy relationships; it also jeopardizes the future of families and children. President Widodo, known popularly as Jokowi, emphasized this point when launching the task force to combat gambling. “Gambling puts our future at risk… also the future of our family and our children,” he said.
Despite the grim statistics, there is hope for those seeking to break free from the clutches of gambling addiction. In Bogor, south of the capital Jakarta, the Marzoeki Mahdi Psychiatric Hospital has been offering treatment for gambling addiction since the beginning of the year. The clinic has so far treated 19 patients, providing counseling and therapy for anxiety, paranoia, sleep disorders, and even suicidal thoughts. Nova Riyanti Yusuf, the hospital’s director, believes that these 19 cases represent only the tip of the iceberg. “Not everybody understands that gambling addiction is a disorder,” she said.
Recognizing the need for more data, the hospital is conducting a study to assess the true scale of gambling addiction in Indonesia. By better understanding the problem, authorities hope to develop more effective strategies to combat it.
In response to the gambling epidemic, the Indonesian government has intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal gambling. The task force set up by President Jokowi has led to the arrest of 467 online gambling operators between April and June, seizing assets worth more than $4 million. These figures suggest that the government’s actions are making a dent in the illegal gambling trade.
However, critics argue that more needs to be done. Indonesian judges have come under fire for handing out lenient sentences to gambling operators, with some receiving as little as seven to 18 months in prison. Nailul Huda, an economist from the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), stressed the need to go after the bigger players behind the scenes. “The investigation must be extended to the big names,” he said. “Those operators did not work alone; they answered to someone big.”
For addicts like Surya, quitting gambling is an uphill battle. After a month of abstinence, he feels optimistic about his future. “Nobody is getting rich from online gambling. Now I’ve learned my lesson,” he said. Yet, the path to recovery is fraught with challenges. The thrill of the game, the lure of easy money, and the underlying psychological issues make it difficult for many to quit.
For others, like Eno, the addiction runs deeper. Despite acknowledging the harm gambling has caused, he finds it hard to stop. “This is a stupid thing to do,” he admits, “but I am addicted.” Eno’s words capture the essence of gambling addiction — a cycle of desire, regret, and an inability to escape.
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, and Islamic teachings strictly forbid gambling. For many Indonesians, gambling is not only a legal issue but also a moral and religious one. The tension between religious beliefs and the temptation of gambling creates a profound inner conflict for many addicts. They grapple not only with their addiction but also with feelings of guilt and shame, knowing that their actions are considered sinful.
The cultural stigma surrounding gambling can also be a barrier to seeking help. Many addicts are reluctant to come forward and admit their problem, fearing judgment from their community. This stigma makes it even more critical for public awareness campaigns to educate people about gambling addiction as a disorder that requires treatment, not condemnation.
The economic impact of gambling addiction in Indonesia is significant. As individuals like Surya and Eno funnel their earnings into gambling, they contribute less to their households and local economies. Families suffer financially, with some turning to loan sharks to cover basic needs. The cycle of debt and addiction can trap families in poverty, further exacerbating the social and economic challenges facing the country.
Moreover, the illicit nature of gambling means that significant sums of money are being funneled into the black market, evading taxes and supporting criminal enterprises. This loss of revenue is a blow to the Indonesian economy, which could otherwise benefit from these funds if they were channeled into productive and legal ventures.
Indonesia’s struggle with gambling addiction is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While the government’s crackdown on illegal gambling operations is a step in the right direction, it is clear that enforcement alone is not enough. There needs to be a concerted effort to provide support and treatment for those struggling with addiction, alongside public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with gambling.
Education is key. By raising awareness about the dangers of gambling and promoting responsible behavior, Indonesia can begin to change the cultural attitudes that enable addiction. Schools, community organizations, and religious institutions all have a role to play in educating the public and offering support to those in need.
At the same time, there must be a stronger focus on rehabilitation and mental health services. Clinics like the one at the Marzoeki Mahdi Psychiatric Hospital are a beacon of hope, but more facilities are needed to meet the demand for treatment. Expanding access to mental health care and addiction services will be crucial in helping individuals break free from the cycle of gambling addiction.
Gambling addiction in Indonesia is a silent epidemic, affecting millions of lives and causing untold harm to families and communities. While recent efforts by the government to combat illegal gambling are a positive step, much more needs to be done to address the root causes of addiction and provide support for those affected.
For people like Surya and Eno, the road to recovery is long and difficult, but it is not impossible. With the right support, treatment, and a societal shift in attitudes towards gambling, Indonesia can begin to heal the wounds caused by this pervasive issue. As President Jokowi’s task force continues its work, there is hope that the future will bring better opportunities for all Indonesians, free from the destructive grip of gambling.
