A rising wave of young couples ends in divorce due to gambling and substance abuse
Online gambling is tearing families apart in Tanjungpinang, where over 300 divorces in just five months were linked to addiction. As young marriages buckle under economic pressure and digital vice, the city faces a deepening social crisis.
Over 400 Divorce Cases in 5 Months
The Religious Court (PA) of Tanjungpinang, in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province, recorded 408 divorce filings from January to May 2025. According to PA spokesperson Mukhsin, young couples aged 20–30 were the most affected.
He stated that 75% of these cases—around 300 divorces—stemmed from online gambling, while the remainder resulted from infidelity and domestic violence (KDRT). “This age group is highly vulnerable due to economic stress and emotional immaturity,” said Mukhsin on June 16, 2025.
Online Gambling and Drug Abuse: Leading Causes
While economic hardship has long been a factor in marital breakdown, Mukhsin emphasized that online gambling (judol) is now the dominant driver of divorces in Tanjungpinang. Addictions have led to financial instability, trust issues, and even violence.
In some cases, gambling was accompanied by drug use, exacerbating tensions within the household. Mukhsin explained, “These destructive behaviors—especially when hidden or denied—leave spouses feeling betrayed and hopeless.”
Comparison with 2024: Decline or Delay?
Although the number of divorces appears to be declining compared to 1,150 cases in 2024, officials caution that 2025 data only spans five months. “The trend may still change,” Mukhsin noted, warning that end-of-year figures could rise again if preventive steps are not taken.
This early-year reduction might reflect delayed filings, not genuine improvement. Mukhsin suggests that more data is needed to assess whether public campaigns or legal reforms are having an impact.
The Young Are Most Affected
The majority of cases involve young couples, many of whom married early and lack coping strategies. “Facing financial hardship, these youths are drawn to risky solutions like online betting,” said Mukhsin.
The rise in early-age divorce mirrors broader social concerns across Indonesia—where digital access has outpaced digital literacy, and where economic pressures collide with addictive technologies.
Legal and Social Institutions Take Notice
The Religious Court, while processing the rising caseload, has urged community outreach programs to educate youth on marriage readiness and financial management. Meanwhile, local authorities and religious leaders are being called upon to address the online gambling epidemic.
Mukhsin concluded, “Marriage is a serious commitment, and without maturity and control, especially over finances and addiction, many are doomed to fail.”
The escalating divorce rate in Tanjungpinang reflects a deeper societal struggle with online gambling, drug use, and young couples ill-prepared for marriage. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, the story serves as a warning: rapid digital growth without support systems can fracture the family unit. Collaborative efforts between the courts, communities, and governments will be key to reversing this trend.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Ulasan (2025)
Keywords: Tanjungpinang Divorce, Online Gambling, Young Couples, Religious Court, Addiction Crisis, Marriage Breakdown
