380,000 Gambling Sites Blocked as Indonesia Intensifies Crackdown

In a significant crackdown on online gambling, Indonesia has ramped up its efforts to combat the pervasive issue across the nation. Juda Agung, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, announced during a recent press briefing at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs that the central bank, in collaboration with various payment service providers, has intensified its monitoring and action against accounts linked to online gambling activities.

Enhanced surveillance and account freezing:

As ANTARA News reports, Agung commented: “Payment service providers, both banks and non-banks, must have fraud detection systems (in place) to identify accounts used for online gambling transactions and other fraud.”

The measures include a robust system to detect fraudulent activities, spearheaded by both banks and non-bank payment service providers. Once an account is suspected of engaging in online gambling, it is reported to Bank Indonesia, which then proceeds to freeze it, effectively cutting off any further transaction capabilities. To date, this initiative has led to the freezing of 7,500 accounts associated with online gambling, illustrating the government’s firm stance on curtailing such illegal activities.

Agung underscored the significance of these measures, stating that the ongoing dissemination of information about the dangers of online gambling is crucial. The central bank has employed various channels, including television and social media, to educate the public and raise awareness about the risks involved.

In a concerted effort to eliminate the online gambling menace, Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, highlighted the government’s recent successes. Since the establishment of the online gambling eradication desk on November 4, 2024, the agency has been proactive in shutting down online gambling platforms and blocking associated financial transactions. According to GGRAsia, from the onset of the new government on October 20, approximately 380,000 online gambling sites have been taken down, signaling a robust and decisive action against the industry.

During the same period, the eradication desk has processed 651 requests to block bank accounts linked to online gambling, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a gambling-free environment. Hafid emphasized the importance of solid cooperation with banking institutions, which has significantly restricted the operational scope of online gambling activities within Indonesia.

A national campaign against online gambling:

These aggressive steps are part of a broader national campaign to educate and protect Indonesian citizens from the detrimental impacts of gambling. The recent installation of President Prabowo Subianto’s government has catalyzed these efforts, with a clear directive to strengthen regulations and enforcement against online gambling.

This campaign also includes strategic international collaborations, such as potential assistance from Interpol to address cross-border gambling cases, ensuring comprehensive coverage and enforcement beyond national boundaries.

Indonesia’s multifaceted approach to combat online gambling underscores a significant commitment by the government to safeguard its citizens and the integrity of its financial systems from the risks of gambling-related activities. Through continuous education, regulatory enforcement, and international cooperation, Indonesia aims to maintain a robust defense against the challenges posed by online gambling.