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Yearender: Indonesia raises stakes in war against online gambling
Observers regard authorities’ odds of winning in their efforts to curb online gambling as slim, given that the government is too focused on law enforcement rather than comprehensive measures.
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Coordinating Politics and Security Minister Budi Gunawan (sixth left) sits next to Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid (fifth left); Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro (fourth left); National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) head Hinsa Siburian (third left); Presidential Chief of Staff AM Putranto (third right); Bank Indonesia deputy governor Juda Agung (rgiht); the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department deputy chief Comr. Gen. Wahyu Widada (right); and Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Angga Raka (left) during a press briefing on online gambling and personal data protection task force in Jakarta on Nov. 21, 2024. (Antara/Fauzan)
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he government has ramped up its efforts to curb the so-called epidemic of online gambling, which is indulged in by around 8.8 million Indonesians and had an illicit turnover of Rp 900 trillion (US$55 billion) this year alone.
Gambling of all kinds is illegal in the country. Under the Criminal Code, people participating in or organizing gambling events may face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a Rp 25 million fine.
The Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law also restricts the distribution of online gambling software, with people found sharing such programs facing up to six years in prison.
Despite these deterrents, online gambling sites continue to thrive across the country. The websites are often advertised as online mobile games, complicating law enforcement efforts against them.
Pressure started mounting on the government to eradicate these gambling sites, prompting the administration of then-president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to form in June a task force to curb online gambling, the first coordinated effort by the government.
The task force was formed following a report from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which revealed in June that more than 1,000 members of national and regional legislatures participated in online gambling, debunking the perception that it only affected lower- and middle-income earners.
Among its tasks were freezing bank accounts used in the illicit gambling business and taking down illegal websites and advertising.
