Days after the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs revealed it had blocked more than 2.4 million gambling websites and related online content between 20 October 2024 and 2 November 2025, Indonesian authorities are being urged to maintain strong enforcement against online gambling.
While online gambling transactions have declined this year, experts stress that the problem remains serious. Oleh Soleh, a member of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), said that the government needs to do more than just block websites; they need to look into the networks that run illicit gambling businesses. He stated that online gambling carries both economic hazards and threats to social and moral norms.
“Online gambling not only harms the people’s economy but also damages the nation’s morals and social resilience,” he said, adding that blocking sites alone is insufficient to tackle the problem effectively.
Soleh urged government agencies, law enforcement, and financial regulators to work closely together. “Only by joining forces can they dismantle illegal gambling networks and prevent new operators from taking their place,” he said.
Data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) show that online gambling transactions fell sharply in 2025. Up to the third quarter, the total value of transactions dropped to IDR 155 trillion ($9.2 billion), compared with IDR 359 trillion ($21.4 billion) in 2024. Deposits into gambling platforms also fell from IDR 51 trillion to IDR 24.9 trillion ($1.48 billion).
Although the decline shows some progress, Soleh cautioned that online gambling networks are still evolving, and enforcement efforts need to stay strong and consistent.
Soleh praised the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs for taking down 2.4 million gambling sites and content across social media and websites. He described the operation as evidence of the government’s seriousness in protecting the public from the harmful effects of online gambling.
“This shows the government’s seriousness in protecting the public from the harmful effects of online gambling,” he said.
President Prabowo Subianto has recently underlined the scale of the problem, warning that Indonesia loses an estimated US$8 billion annually due to online gambling. Speaking at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea, he said illicit online betting weakens both the country’s economic resilience and social stability.
“Online gambling not only drains billions from our economy each year but also undermines social and moral values,” Prabowo said, urging stronger regional cooperation with other APEC member economies to tackle transnational crimes.
The legislator emphasised that blocking websites alone is not enough and must be accompanied by public education. He urged the ministry to improve digital literacy so citizens can identify gambling platforms that are disguised as games or investment schemes.
He said, “Blocking and law enforcement must be accompanied by education. The government needs to continuously remind the public of the dangers of online gambling, especially the younger generation, who are the main targets of digital promotions.”
Soleh urged government agencies, law enforcement, and financial regulators to work more closely together, saying that only by joining forces can they effectively dismantle illegal gambling networks and stop new operators from taking their place.
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra revealed that thousands of Indonesians work in online gambling operations based in the Philippines under supervision from Cambodia. While ongoing cooperation between the two countries has reduced some activities, operators continue to relocate.
Yusril emphasised the need for bilateral and multilateral agreements to dismantle these networks effectively, highlighting that online gambling in Indonesia is increasingly connected to international criminal activity.
Government data indicate that around 70 percent of illegal online casino users earn less than IDR 5 million ($300) per month. Many are welfare recipients, and over 300,000 individuals have had their social aid suspended after being caught gambling online.
Authorities have warned that online gambling presents multiple risks, including impacts on family finances, social welfare, and youth development. They pointed out that low-income families lost government subsidies when one member of the family gambled, which showed how important it is to keep an eye on things and teach the public.
Authorities are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated digital systems to detect and prevent illegal gambling transactions. AI-based systems help identify bank accounts linked to gambling networks, while coordinated databases across government agencies allow real-time monitoring.
Fransiska Oei of the National Banks Association (Perbanas) had said, “Digital transactions are the backbone of the future economy. AI-based monitoring helps ensure payment systems remain secure and transparent, while also identifying illegal gambling flows.”
Even though online gambling has gone down, it still poses a danger to Indonesia’s economy and society. Authorities are watching the situation closely, and the government has taken action to protect people and reduce the economic damage. This includes blocking gambling websites, keeping an eye on bank accounts linked to illegal gambling, and running campaigns to raise public awareness.
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