Indonesia Advances Towards Eliminating Online Gambling
Significant Measures Against Online Gambling in Indonesia
Indonesia has taken a strong stance against online gambling, resulting in the suspension of more than 27,000 bank accounts linked to such activities. This initiative is led by the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia, known as OJK.
Dian Ediana Rae, the Chief Executive of Banking Supervision at OJK, revealed that over 25,000 accounts were identified last month as being connected to illegal gambling operations. Banks have been instructed to freeze accounts tied to gambling through their owners’ National Identity Numbers (NIK).
Government’s Efforts to Monitor and Support
To better regulate online platforms, the government is developing a new system called the Content Moderation Compliance System (SAMAN). This system aims to maintain ongoing oversight of online content related to gambling.
However, the crackdown has also impacted many families who have connections to online gambling. Currently, more than 300,000 individuals are reported to be without government assistance as a result of these measures.
Intensified Crackdown and Surveillance
Over the past year, authorities have removed a substantial number of online gambling posts and related content from various platforms and social media. It has been uncovered that more than 130,000 people were funneling gambling funds through banking institutions and mobile applications.
Enforcement efforts have expanded to monitor the use of VPN services, which some Indonesians employ to access prohibited gambling websites, thereby strengthening controls against illegal gambling activities.
Regional Efforts Against Online Gambling
Several Southeast Asian countries are actively working to combat online gambling within their borders. Cambodia, having banned online gambling in 2019, is focused on diversifying its economy away from the gambling sector.
The Philippines, on the other hand, is concentrating on ensuring the growth of its offshore gaming industry despite regional opposition.
Thailand continues to combat online gambling through coordinated efforts involving multiple government agencies striving to eradicate illegal gambling operations.
