Polda Kepri urges communities to reject conventional and online gambling through direct engagement
Authorities in the Riau Islands are stepping up grassroots efforts to curb gambling, warning that the practice threatens public order, family stability, and long-term social wellbeing.
Police Take Anti-Gambling Message Directly to Communities
Personnel from Sub-Directorate III Jatanras under the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Riau Islands Police carried out direct socialization activities among local communities to discourage involvement in conventional gambling. The initiative is part of a broader preventive strategy to reduce disturbances to public security and order, commonly referred to as kamtibmas.
Clear Warnings on Legal Consequences
During the outreach, officers displayed banners reading “Stop Judi Konvensional,” delivering educational messages alongside firm reminders of criminal sanctions. The warnings referenced Article 303 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which clearly regulates and penalizes gambling-related offenses, reinforcing that such activities are illegal under national law.
Gambling’s Broader Social Impact
Police personnel emphasized that gambling does not only violate the law but also creates serious economic and social consequences. According to officers, gambling often leads to financial instability, family conflict, social isolation, and long-term psychological stress, affecting both individuals and their households.
Humanist and Persuasive Approach
Riau Islands Police Chief of Criminal Investigation, Senior Commissioner Ronni Bonic, through Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Dr. Nona Pricillia Ohei, stressed that the campaign prioritizes a persuasive and humanist approach. Communities were encouraged to build legal awareness and avoid all forms of gambling, including conventional and online platforms, which increasingly affect mental and emotional health.
Online Gambling Also in Focus
While the banners highlighted conventional gambling, officers made it clear that online gambling is equally dangerous. Authorities warned that digital platforms can accelerate addiction, increase financial losses, and expose individuals to legal risks, making prevention even more urgent in today’s connected society.
Continued Commitment to Prevention and Enforcement
Sub-Directorate III Jatanras of Polda Kepri reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing preventive measures alongside firm law enforcement. The police aim to maintain a safe, orderly, and conducive environment across the Riau Islands through consistent community engagement and legal action when necessary.
The intensified anti-gambling campaign reflects Indonesia’s broader push to safeguard social stability and public order. For communities in the Riau Islands and neighboring regions such as Singapore, the effort highlights the shared importance of legal awareness, preventive policing, and community cooperation in addressing social risks that cross borders and affect regional wellbeing.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Website Polri (2026)
Keywords: Gambling Law, Public Safety, Polda Kepri, Community Awareness, Criminal Code
