Indonesia has declared war on illegal iGaming in the country, blocking access to more than 805,000 types of content by blocking websites and immobilizing payments.
According to Yogonet, the sweep is being conducted by the nation’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics, known as Kominfo, which monitors communications and internet activity in the country.
Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said the effort has been underway for five years. “Kominfo collaborates with various stakeholders in eradicating online gambling. We are working with the Financial Services Authority, telecommunication and internet service providers, and digital platforms.”
To date, the ministry has restricted access to almost 600,000 websites and IP addresses as well as 173,000 Meta platforms, 29,000 file-sharing platform accounts, almost 6,000 Google and Youtube platforms, and activity on X (Twitter), TikTok and App Store platforms. More than 5,000 payment methods were also tracked and disrupted.
In 1974, Indonesia outlawed casinos, poker rooms, sports betting and bingo. But the ban did little to stem the public’s appetite for gambling, which is easier for Indonesian patrons who can register online.
Last September, the government called for additional sanctions for those found to participate in or promote gambling. Setiadi said the government is addressing this issue due to potential “direct adverse impacts” on society.
