Preventing Online Gambling Traps and Digital Fraud: Bangka Belitung Regional Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate Provides Guidance to Students of the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic
IPDA Hesha Dhariansyah, S.H., an officer from the Cyber Sub-directorate (Subdit V) of the Bangka Belitung Regional Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, delivers a presentation to students at the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic regarding the dangers of online gambling and digital fraud, as well as the legal consequences for those who engage in such activities.
Students from the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel) attended an outreach session on the dangers of online gambling and digital fraud, presented by the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Police. The event took place in the campus auditorium on Thursday (November 5, 2026).
The session was attended by approximately 350 students, along with Polman Babel’s Deputy Director II, Muhammad Subhan, M.T., and the Head of the Administration, Academic, Student Affairs, and Cooperation Division (BAKK), Somawardi, M.T. Also present were the speakers from the Cyber Sub-directorate (Subdit V) of the Bangka Belitung Regional Police, led by Police Inspector (IPDA) Hesha Dhariansyah, S.H., and his team.
In his remarks, Deputy Director II Muhammad Subhan, M.T., urged the students to pay close attention to the material presented by the police team. He emphasized that understanding the risks of online gambling and digital fraud is crucial to ensuring students do not become entangled in legal issues—whether as perpetrators or victims.
He further advised students to exercise greater wisdom in their use of technology, to safeguard their personal data, and to remain cautious against offers promising instant gains through digital platforms.
" You must be aware of the risks and legal consequences involved if you engage in online gambling or digital fraud," he explained.
Meanwhile, the speaker from the Cyber Sub-directorate (Subdit V) of the Bangka Belitung Regional Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, Police Inspector (IPDA) Hesha Dhariansyah, S.H., explained that the *modus operandi* of crimes has evolved alongside technological advancements. While fraud was previously often committed through direct, face-to-face interaction, perpetrators now leverage the internet and various digital platforms to carry out their schemes. "Students must be tech-savvy and understand how to communicate and engage in activities safely within the digital space," he concluded.
Furthermore, online gambling—which operates via the internet and encompasses everything from virtual poker and online casinos to sports betting—has reached a concerning scale. Data from 2024 indicates that there are 201,122 instances of online gambling in Indonesia, involving a total value of 100 trillion rupiah—a figure that demands collective attention.
IPDA Hesha also warned of the legal consequences for those involved in online gambling, including individuals who promote or operate such activities.
" Those who promote online gambling can face up to 10 years in prison, in accordance with Article 45 paragraph (3) in conjunction with Article 27 paragraph (2) of Law Number 1 of 2024. Additionally, criminal provisions regarding gambling are stipulated in Article 427 of Law Number 1 of 2023, which carries a potential 9-year prison sentence for operators (bookmakers) and 3 years for players," he asserted.
In addition to discussing online gambling, students were also provided with an understanding of various digital fraud schemes involving online transactions. They were advised not to easily trust offers for goods at unusually low prices, and to always verify the seller's identity and the authenticity of information before making any payments. Students were urged to exercise caution when conducting online transactions to avoid falling victim to fraud," he stated.
The session included an interactive Q&A segment, allowing students to engage in discussions and pose questions directly to the speakers regarding current trends in cybercrime. Furthermore, the team from the Bangka Belitung Regional Police (Polda Babel) expressed their gratitude upon receiving a token of appreciation from the Bangka Belitung Manufacturing Polytechnic (Polman Babel)," added Police Inspector (IPDA) Hesha.
