Indonesia Blocks 43,000 Gambling-Related Digital Items

Indonesia has escalated its fight against illegal online gambling, blocking over 43,000 digital items in the first week of 2025.

This enforcement is part of the Komdigi Ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect citizens, especially youth, from harmful online gambling content.

With over 711,000 gambling-related items blocked since late 2024, the initiative signals a determined stance against illegal operators.

Learn how Indonesia’s government is leveraging digital tools and public participation to curb online gambling effectively.

Indonesia Blocks Over 43,000 Gambling-Related Digital Items in Week-Long Crackdown

Key Points:

1. Indonesia’s Komdigi Ministry blocked 43,063 digital items linked to online gambling in the first six days of 2025.
2. Over 711,000 gambling-related items were removed between October 2024 and January 2025 across various platforms.
3. Public reporting channels, including WhatsApp, anti-gambling chatbots, and dedicated websites, empower citizens to combat illegal gambling content.

Indonesia Escalates Its Fight Against Illegal Online Gambling

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has intensified its enforcement efforts against illegal online gambling, blocking 43,063 gambling-related digital items within the first six days of 2025. This crackdown aligns with the government’s broader agenda to eliminate illegal gambling platforms and safeguard vulnerable communities from financial and social risks.

An Expanding Digital Crackdown

Between October 2024 and January 2025, the Komdigi Ministry blocked a staggering 711,522 gambling-related items across a variety of platforms. This number reflects the scale of illegal gambling activities in Indonesia and underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the issue head-on.

The breakdown of blocked content reveals the extensive reach of these efforts:

• 652,147 items on websites and IP addresses
• 29,964 accounts on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
• 17,836 entries on file-sharing platforms
• Thousands more across Google, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and TikTok

The Komdigi Ministry’s strategy combines technological interventions with legal enforcement to disrupt the operations of illegal gambling networks effectively.

Community Participation: A Vital Element

Government officials emphasize that tackling online gambling isn’t just about blocking content—it’s also about fostering community vigilance. Parents and guardians are urged to monitor children’s online activities, as youth remain highly vulnerable to gambling-related advertising and promotions on social media.

To streamline public involvement, Indonesia has established multiple reporting channels for gambling-related content:

• A dedicated anti-gambling website for detailed reporting.
• WhatsApp hotlines for quick and accessible reporting.
• An anti-gambling chatbot designed to process complaints efficiently.

This multi-channel approach empowers citizens to actively participate in identifying and reporting illegal gambling content.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, have become hotspots for illegal gambling promotions. Accounts with large follower bases are frequently used to promote gambling websites and services.

The Komdigi Ministry has prioritized these platforms for enforcement, ensuring that gambling advertisements are swiftly removed and perpetrators are held accountable.

A Long-Standing Battle Against Gambling Content

Indonesia’s fight against online gambling isn’t new. Since 2017, the government has successfully removed over 5.5 million gambling-related digital advertisements. However, the rapid evolution of digital platforms and the persistent tactics of gambling operators require continuous innovation in enforcement strategies.

The government’s focus on collaboration between authorities, tech platforms, and the public highlights a multi-faceted approach to combating illegal gambling.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Vulnerable Populations

The recent crackdown is not merely about removing illegal content but also about protecting Indonesian citizens, especially minors, from the dangers of online gambling. Financial losses, addiction risks, and exploitation remain significant threats posed by unregulated gambling platforms.

Acting Director General Molly Prabawaty stated:

“Our efforts focus on both blocking illegal content and educating the public about the dangers of online gambling. Community vigilance is essential for long-term success.”

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum in the Fight Against Illegal Gambling

As the Indonesian government continues its crackdown, the focus will remain on:

1. Expanding technological capabilities for content monitoring and blocking.
2. Strengthening public reporting mechanisms to empower community participation.
3. Collaborating with tech giants to prevent gambling content from resurfacing.

Indonesia’s proactive approach serves as a model for other nations grappling with similar issues.

A Unified Effort Against Online Gambling in Indonesia

The Indonesian Komdigi Ministry’s efforts to block 43,063 gambling-related items in the first week of 2025 reflect a determined, systematic approach to tackling illegal gambling. With over 711,000 digital items removed in recent months, the government has made it clear that online gambling has no place in Indonesia.

Through public participation, technological enforcement, and collaboration with digital platforms, Indonesia is creating a safer digital environment for its citizens.

However, the fight is far from over. Sustained vigilance from authorities, communities, and technology providers will be essential to maintaining this momentum and protecting Indonesia’s digital landscape from the persistent threat of illegal gambling.