Indonesia Strengthens iGaming Blockade by Targeting Bank Accounts
Indonesia has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online gambling by targeting financial transactions associated with such activities. Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Juda Agung, announced that the central bank is collaborating with payment service providers, including banks and non-bank institutions, to freeze accounts linked to online gambling operations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to dismantle the financial infrastructure that supports these illicit activities.
The flag of Indonesia flying on a flagpole. (Source: Pixabay)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The central bank has mandated that payment service providers implement robust fraud detection systems to identify accounts used for online gambling transactions or other fraudulent activities. Once such accounts are detected, providers are required to report them to Bank Indonesia for further investigation.
Related: Indonesia Uses AI to Intensify Campaign Against Online GamblingAfter confirmation, the accounts are traced and subsequently frozen, rendering the account holders unable to access their funds or conduct any further transactions. Agung revealed that Bank Indonesia has already frozen approximately 7,500 accounts connected to online gambling as part of this initiative.
Bank Indonesia is also focusing on public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the risks associated with online gambling. These campaigns utilize platforms such as television and social media to disseminate information and discourage participation in such activities. The central bank has emphasized its commitment to sustaining these efforts until online gambling is eradicated across the country.
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Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs Playing Key Role
On the same front, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has played a significant role in the crackdown. Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid reported that the ministry's online gambling eradication desk has submitted 651 requests to block bank accounts linked to online gambling activities this month alone. Hafid underscored the importance of strong collaboration with banks to limit the scope of these illegal operations.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has also been actively targeting online gambling platforms. Since the formation of the online gambling eradication desk on November 4, 2024, the ministry has successfully taken down 104,819 websites associated with online gambling.
Hafid noted that since October 20, when the current government took office, the total number of sites blocked has reached approximately 380,000. These efforts reflect the government's determination to curtail the digital presence of illegal gambling networks in Indonesia.
Both Bank Indonesia and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs are coordinating their efforts to address the multifaceted challenges posed by online gambling. As the crackdown progresses, authorities have reiterated their commitment to continuing these actions until the issue is effectively addressed.
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