On Tuesday (February 25, 2025), the Master of Law Student Association of the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (KMMH FH UGM) held a legal awareness session titled “Legal Awareness Gathering: Building Public Legal Awareness to Mitigate the Risks of Online Lending and Online Gambling” in the auditorium of the Sinduadi Village Office, Sleman, DIY. This event aimed to raise public legal awareness regarding the negative impacts and dangers of illegal online lending and online gambling practices.
KMMH Chair Azmi Fathu Rohman, S.H., stated that this activity is part of community service in line with the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. “We are committed to continuing to support the community in building a ‘Law-Aware Village,’ including by providing outreach that is relevant to the community’s needs,” he said.
The event was attended by participants including Sinduadi Village officials, the Sinduadi Village Legal Awareness Family Group (Kadarkum), community leaders, Karang Taruna, and the general public. Additionally, officials from the KMMH FH UGM Community Service Department and the 2024–2025 KMMH executive board were present to support the smooth running of the event.
In his opening remarks, the Head of Sinduadi Village, H. Senen Haryanto, S.E., expressed his hope that this event would provide the community with a broader understanding of the risks associated with online lending and online gambling. “We greatly appreciate the initiative of KMMH FH UGM to come here and provide legal education. This is crucial to protect our residents from potential legal issues that could harm them financially and socially,” he said.
The event also featured speakers from the UGM Faculty of Law and the DIY Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights: Muhammad Jibril, S.H., M.PrivateLaw, and Galih Pambaru Wibawanto, S.H.
In his presentation, Muhammad Jibril explained the legal aspects related to online lending and online gambling based on POJK No. 10/POJK.05/2022 and Law No. 4 of 2023. He explained that illegal online lenders often impose unreasonable interest rates and penalties, violate consumer protection rights, and have the potential to trap borrowers in a cycle of debt that is difficult to break. “Illegal online lending often violates the law, whether through the misuse of personal data or threats from debt collectors that violate Article 32(2) of the ITE Law. The public needs to understand these risks so they do not become victims,” he explained.
In addition, Jibril also warned of the dangers of online gambling, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison under Article 303 of the Criminal Code and Article 27(2) of the ITE Law. “Online gambling not only causes financial ruin but also damages mental health. Many cases of addiction have led to significant family and social losses,” he added.
Meanwhile, Galih Pambaru Wibawanto emphasized the importance of the government’s role in protecting the public from the harmful effects of illegal online lending. “The government continues to work to address the misuse of online lending and online gambling practices, but support from the public through increased legal awareness is essential to breaking the cycle of these problems,” he said.
The event proceeded smoothly and concluded with a legal consultation session led by partner attorneys from KMMH FH UGM. It is hoped that this activity will serve as a first step toward building strong legal awareness, particularly regarding social phenomena arising from the development of digital technology.
Author: Moh Asman Novi Ambar (Community Service Department, KMMH)
