Indonesia Ramps Up Efforts to Combat Online Gambling with Comprehensive Strategy

Tracing All Access Points, Including VPNs

The Indonesian government has escalated its campaign against online gambling, pledging to track all access methods, including connections made through VPNs and non-VPN networks.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan announced this at the State Palace, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to eradicating online gambling nationwide.

“We will investigate all accesses used, either VPN or non-VPN,” Minister Gunawan confirmed. He added that the recently established Online Gambling Handling Desk will continue its investigations, focusing particularly on suspected involvement within the Ministry of Communication and Digital.

The Role of the Online Gambling Handling Desk

The newly launched Online Gambling Handling Desk aims to tackle the issue from two key angles: enforcing legal action against individuals involved in online gambling and educating the public to prevent its spread.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who leads the desk, stated that authorities are actively pursuing online gambling operators within Indonesia. However, specific details of their strategy remain confidential.

“General Prabowo has explained that action will be taken as long as the bookies are in Indonesia. We cannot reveal all the details; let the Online Gambling Desk work,” said Gunawan.

Ministry Investigations and Employee Suspensions

These measures follow recent actions by Communication and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid, who announced the temporary suspension of 11 ministry employees amid allegations of misuse of authority to protect online gambling operations.

The ministry, working closely with police, is currently gathering data on any employees suspected of involvement in such activities. Additionally, it is strengthening efforts to block access to online gambling content and sites.

Financial Tracking and Restriction Measures

On Monday, General Prabowo reaffirmed the police’s commitment to dismantling online gambling networks, with support from the Online Gambling Handling Desk.

The police are collaborating with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to trace payment methods, restrict cash flows associated with online gambling, and disable financial instruments used in gambling transactions.