Government Cracks Down on Gambling with Coordinated Efforts from Multiple Sectors
Indonesia is intensifying its battle against online gambling, with Bank Indonesia (BI) freezing 7,500 bank accounts linked to illegal gambling activities. This move comes as part of a broader government crackdown on gambling, which has seen the shutdown of hundreds of thousands of gambling websites and a concerted push to combat this growing issue in the country.
The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Juda Agung during a press briefing at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. Agung emphasized that the central bank is committed to tackling online gambling head-on, stating that the freezing of these accounts is only the beginning of a broader strategy to eliminate illegal gambling across the nation.
Collaborative Efforts to Block Gambling Transactions
The account freezes are part of a coordinated effort involving both banking and non-banking payment service providers, who are being required to implement advanced fraud detection systems. These systems help identify accounts linked to online gambling and other fraudulent activities. Once flagged, the accounts are reported to BI, which then takes immediate action to freeze them, preventing any further transactions or withdrawals.
Agung assured the public that this is not a one-time measure. “We will continue to take action against bank accounts affiliated with online gambling until online gambling activities are eliminated in the country,” he said. The central bank’s approach is part of a larger effort to restrict the financial infrastructure supporting illegal gambling.
- 7,500 bank accounts frozen for involvement in online gambling
- Advanced fraud detection systems being used by banks and payment providers
- Continued crackdown planned until online gambling is eradicated
Government’s Broader Strategy to Dismantle Gambling Networks
Indonesia’s fight against online gambling is not limited to bank account freezes. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, detailed additional measures being taken to address the issue. Earlier this month, the government established an online gambling eradication desk, which has already submitted 651 requests to freeze accounts associated with gambling activities.
The government has also made significant strides in blocking access to gambling websites. Since President Prabowo Subianto’s administration took office on October 20, more than 380,000 gambling-related websites have been dismantled. As of November 4, over 104,000 gambling-related sites have been blocked, showing the government’s commitment to narrowing the operational space of online gambling networks.
These actions are designed to disrupt the accessibility of gambling platforms and reduce the networks that support illegal gambling in the country.
Tackling Student Involvement in Gambling
In a related development, Higher Education Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro revealed concerning data showing that nearly 960,000 students, including those in schools and universities, have been involved in online gambling. This statistic highlights the growing concern over gambling addiction among younger generations.
In response, Brodjonegoro announced plans to establish dedicated reporting channels within universities to help address the issue. The government is also taking a proactive approach by instructing university leaders to prevent gambling participation among both students and academic staff.
To aid in this initiative, Minister Nasaruddin Umar confirmed that rectors from various universities, including the State Islamic University and the State Institute for Islamic Studies, have been included in discussions to formulate strategies to prevent gambling involvement among students and staff.
A Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gambling
Indonesia’s stance against online gambling is unwavering, with the government firmly positioning itself to eliminate gambling networks across the nation. The ongoing efforts, backed by Bank Indonesia and other ministries, reflect the newly elected government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal gambling as part of its broader policy agenda. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia’s approach to online gambling is informed by its social and cultural values, making this issue a high priority for the current administration.
This crackdown is not just about eliminating the financial aspects of gambling, but also protecting the younger generation from the damaging consequences of gambling addiction. With the government’s combined efforts, including the blocking of websites, freezing of bank accounts, and addressing student involvement, Indonesia is taking decisive steps to combat the issue from multiple angles.
