Indonesia records sharp drop in online gambling transactions

Rajashree Seal January 24, 2025

SiGMA news

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs () has reported a continued decline online gambling transactions which reflects the success of the government’s measures against illegal gambling.

During a recent meet with Commission I of the House of Representatives, the ministry’s Director General of Digital Space Supervision Alexander Sabar revealed that online gambling transactions reached 21 trillion IDR ($1.29 billion) in the first quarter. The value declined to 16 trillion IDR ($982.86 million) in the second quarter and 4 trillion IDR ($245.72 million) in the third quarter.

Sabar explained office’s responsibilities, which include monitoring and blocking access to websites, content, and applications related to online gambling; conducting research and analysis of new online gambling modes; collecting keywords related to online gambling; and using AI to filter such content.

“We also propose blocking phone numbers and messaging applications suspected of being used for gambling communications and transactions,” he added.

From 2017 to January 21, 2025, the ministry has taken action against 5,707,952 pieces of digital content related to online gambling. Between January 1 and January 6, 2025, the ministry acted against 43,063 such items, according to Molly Prabawaty, acting General Director of Public Communication and Media at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology (Komdigi).

From 2017 to January 21, 2025, the ministry has acted against 5,707,952 pieces of digital content related to online gambling. Earlier this month, Molly Prabawaty, acting general director of Public Communication and Media at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology (Komdigi), said that between January 1 and January 6, her ministry acted against 43,063 pieces of digital content related to online gambling.

Gambling is illegal for both citizens and foreigners in Indonesia. The government has also implemented a monitoring system using artificial intelligence to detect and block gambling websites and applications.

In December 2024, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs collaborated with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and mobile operators to discuss further actions against illegal online gambling. These included launching a public awareness campaign to highlight the financial risks of gambling and exploring measures to prevent payments for gambling through phone credits.

Sabar further stated that his staff were required to sign an integrity pact to maintain the ministry’s commitment in eradicating online gambling. He added that integrity assessments have been carried out for each team tasked with blocking content, ensuring their efforts align with the government’s vision and are executed effectively.

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