RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening financial literacy to help prevent online gambling and illegal online lending. The effort was highlighted during the Public Discussion Forum: Beware of Online Gambling and Illegal Online Loans, Financial Literacy vs Digital Prestige in Jakarta, Monday, 3 August 2026.

The forum emphasized financial education as a long-term strategy to protect people from risky digital financial practices. It also encouraged stronger cooperation between government institutions and the public.

Deputy Chair of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Anton Soekartono, said Indonesia continues to strengthen regulations and expand financial literacy programs nationwide. He added that tighter supervision of digital platforms remains essential to curb illegal activities.

"As the Deputy Chair of Commission I of the House of Representatives, I remain firmly committed to strengthening regulations to eradicate online gambling and illegal online lending, supporting stricter supervision of digital platforms facilitating those activities, and expanding financial literacy programs that reach all levels of society,” he said.

Anton added that financial literacy helps people distinguish between needs and wants while avoiding excessive debt. He also encouraged the public to use only financial services supervised by Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK).

Asep Rohmatullah, a researcher at the Mathla'ul Anwar Research and Innovation Agency (BRIMA), said stronger financial literacy should complement law enforcement against online gambling and illegal lending. He stressed that education remains essential to reduce public vulnerability.

"Strengthening financial literacy is essential because it reinforces awareness of risks, legality, and responsible debt management. When financial literacy is weak, people become far more vulnerable to harm and are easily affected by the consequences of limited financial knowledge,” he said.

Asep added that prevention requires individual financial discipline alongside sustained government education, supervision, and law enforcement. He also proposed a leaner national task force involving OJK, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the National Police, and the Attorney General's Office to improve coordination, while expanding public awareness campaigns against online gambling and illegal lending.