Muama, Nur Kholif; Suprapto, Agus; Permana, Iwan
The rapid development of information technology has created new challenges for military organizations, including the increasing accessibility of online gambling among military personnel. This study aims to analyze the optimization of mental development programs for Indonesian Navy personnel at the Naval Academy as an effort to prevent online gambling behavior. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using interviews, observations, documentation, and questionnaires. Data were collected from military leaders, military police personnel, mental development officers, and Naval Academy personnel. The findings indicate that mental development programs have been implemented through religious guidance, counseling, lectures, and character-building activities, which generally receive positive responses from personnel. However, several obstacles remain, including limited participation due to operational activities, rapid technological advancement, easy internet access, and the absence of specific educational materials concerning online gambling. Factors influencing personnel involvement in online gambling include low self-control, unproductive use of leisure time, environmental influences, and personal economic problems. The study concludes that mental development can effectively prevent online gambling when implemented continuously, supported by leadership involvement, digital literacy enhancement, supervision of technology use, and specific educational materials addressing the dangers of online gambling.