Indonesia orders freeze on over 17,000 gambling accounts
Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) has told banks to freeze 17,026 accounts believed to be linked to illegal online gambling, also known as judol. This step is part of a larger effort by OJK, banks, and government bodies to stop gambling-related financial crime.
The account blocking was based on data provided by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Application (Komdigi), formerly known as the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo). While the exact time period for the identified accounts has not been disclosed, OJK confirmed that this action aligns with Law No. 4/2023, which authorises the authority to coordinate responses against illegal financial activities.
A critical step in combating online gambling
OJK’s Chief Executive of Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae, stated that the step to shut down these accounts is an important part of the ongoing fight against digital gambling.
“The OJK has also directed banks to monitor dormant accounts to prevent their misuse for financial crimes and to increase the effectiveness of measures against account buying and selling,” he remarked.
Dian further said, “Banks are expected to monitor even regular accounts to prevent misuse for financial crimes and enhance oversight on the illegal sale and purchase of bank accounts.”
Banks told to strengthen checks and cyber patrols
OJK has instructed banks to tighten customer identity checks, especially ensuring that accounts are correctly matched to National Identity Numbers (NIK). Banks are also required to implement enhanced due diligence (EDD) processes to detect suspicious behaviour early.
OJK said banks must report all unusual activity to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) using Suspicious Financial Transaction Reports (LTKM). These reports help trace the flow of money used for scams or gambling.
Additionally, banks must carry out cyber patrols and conduct fund flow analysis to track and prevent misuse of their services. “OJK will also form a task force to handle cyber incidents to ensure a more coordinated, quick, and effective response,” Dian announced.
Online gambling activity on the rise
The number of suspected gambling-related accounts has increased significantly. In 2024, about 8,500 accounts were blocked. The big increase this year shows that there is growing concern about how large illegal gambling networks have become and how they affect Indonesia’s financial system.
Earlier this week, Dian said that tackling online gambling requires a “systemic approach” and stressed the need for close cooperation among various government agencies.
The Indonesian government is also working on a new regulation that will clearly set out the actions to be taken and the role internet service providers must play in curbing online gambling.
Concerns over social aid data misuse
These efforts have also raised concerns about fairness and data privacy, especially when it comes to social aid recipients. According to PPATK, at least 571,410 individuals who received social assistance in 2024 were found to be involved in online gambling.
Responding to these findings, Maman Imanul Haq, a member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR), urged caution before any aid is suspended. “We must continue to uphold the principle of justice,” Haq said. “Innocent people must not become victims.”
He stressed that the government should not rush to stop assistance, as identity data could have been misused by others. “If it is found that identity data has been misused by third parties, law enforcement must investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.
Haq also called for close coordination between the Ministry of Social Affairs, PPATK, and the National Police to review the findings.
“If someone is truly involved in online gambling, then their social aid must be cut. The state should not be funding harmful lifestyles,” he emphasised.
He said the case highlights the need to improve digital monitoring and data protection systems to ensure that government aid programmes are both accurate and effective.
Millions in suspicious transactions recorded
According to PPATK, total deposits linked to the flagged identity numbers reached Rp957 billion (approximately US$58.7 million), with over 7.5 million transactions recorded.
The centre’s public relations coordinator, Natsir Kongah, cautioned that the actual number of social aid recipients involved in online gambling may be even higher.
PPATK arrived at these figures by cross-referencing data from 28.4 million 2024 social aid recipients with 9.7 million identity numbers found in online gambling activity databases.
The findings underline the growing scale of digital gambling in Indonesia and the urgent need for tighter regulation and data safeguards.
