Indonesia is taking strong measures to stop online gambling by focusing on internet connections to the Philippines and Cambodia. The Communications and Informatics Ministry in Indonesia has instructed NAP service providers to block internet lines related to online gambling, specifically those coming from Davao, Philippines, and Cambodia. This approach is similar to what other countries in the region have done, targeting the infrastructure that supports illegal online gaming rather than individual websites directly.
Budi Arie Setiadi, the Communications and Informatics Minister of Indonesia, stated that these actions are part of a larger plan to eradicate online gambling from the country. The government aims to remove nearly 3 million pieces of online gambling content between mid-2023 and mid-2024, showing a strong commitment to enforcing the law.
In addition to cutting off internet lines, Indonesia is working with financial institutions to freeze around 5,800 bank accounts and block 555 e-wallets under Bank Indonesia’s supervision. The country is taking online gambling very seriously, with penalties for those involved reaching up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $1,500. A special gambling task force, made up of members from the National Armed Forces and National Police Force, is monitoring financial activities related to online gambling.
Hadi Tjahjanto, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, mentioned that Indonesia is actively monitoring and blocking access to foreign iGaming platforms to make sure they comply with the country’s strict anti-gambling laws. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center of Indonesia is also looking into suspicious transactions linked to online gambling, forwarding any findings to the Criminal Investigation Agency for further action.
As Indonesia continues its efforts to crack down on online gambling networks, it is clear that the government is dedicated to upholding national laws and protecting society from the negative effects of illegal gambling. By targeting internet providers and increasing financial oversight, Indonesia hopes to reduce the prevalence of online gambling within its borders. The country’s commitment to enforcing these laws demonstrates its determination to combat the issue effectively.
