Indonesia Takes Decisive Action Against Online Gambling, Blocks 800,000+ Sites

Indonesia unleashes a formidable crackdown on the rampant surge of online gambling, with a resolute mission to curb its influence.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, helmed by the determined Budi Arie Setiadi, this initiative marks a watershed moment in the nation’s fight against illicit online gambling. Join us as we unravel the meticulous strategies employed to disable access to over 800,000 forbidden online gambling platforms, reshaping the digital landscape.

A Ministry Vigilant Against Online Gambling

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics, known as Kominfo, wields its authority in safeguarding the nation’s digital realm. Overseeing communications, information affairs, and internet censorship, Kominfo takes resolute steps to uphold the law.

Curtailing Access to 800,000+ Gambling Sites

Media reports unveil an astounding achievement as the Directorate General of Information Applications, a branch of the Ministry, discloses the disabling of access to a staggering 805,923 online gambling entities. This far-reaching impact encompasses IP address blocks, website restrictions, and payment channel limitations.

Collaborative Eradication Efforts

Minister Setiadi underscores the collective resolve in the battle against online gambling. Collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Financial Services Authority, telecommunication and internet service providers, and digital platforms, Kominfo ensures a united front against this digital vice.

Multifaceted Restriction Measures

Kominfo leaves no stone unturned in its quest to thwart online gambling. Restricting access encompasses 596,348 sites and IPs, 173,134 Meta platforms, 29,257 file-sharing platform accounts, 5,993 Google and Youtube platforms, 367 X (Twitter) platforms, 170 Telegram platforms, 15 TikTok platforms, 8 App Store platforms, and 1 Snack Video platform. The comprehensive approach extends to tracking and curtailing over 5,000 payment methods.

Upholding a Decades-Old Ban

Indonesia’s unwavering stance against gambling traces back to a ban implemented on November 6, 1974. This prohibition encompassed casinos, poker rooms, sports betting, and bingo. However, the rise of online gambling posed new challenges as foreign websites continued to accept Indonesian registrations.

Commitment to Deterrence and Sanctions

In 2023, Minister Setiadi reinforced the government’s commitment to deter and penalize involvement in or promotion of online gambling. Instruction No. 1 of 2023 and related laws underscore the gravity of the issue, seeking to protect society from the potential “direct adverse impacts.”

Indonesia’s robust actions against online gambling epitomize its unwavering commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding its digital landscape. The resolute measures deployed by Kominfo and Minister Budi Arie Setiadi reinforce the government’s determination to combat this growing digital menace, ultimately fostering a safer online environment for all. Stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing battle.