Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Informatics Removes 80,000 Online Gambling Content Items, Majority from Websites and IP Addresses

The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kemenkominfo) stated that it has blocked access (taken down) or removed 60,582 online gambling content items across various platforms between September 1st and 21st, 2023.

Based on the platform, the most online gambling content was found on websites and IP addresses, totaling 55,768 items.

This was followed by 3,488 items found through file sharing, 675 items on Facebook and Instagram, and 638 items on Google and YouTube.

"Several platforms where no online gambling content was found this September include TikTok, Halo-App, Snack Video, and the App Store," said Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi, as quoted from a press release on Friday (September 22nd, 2023).

Budi also mentioned that his ministry will continue to strive to improve the eradication of online gambling content, both on websites and social media.

"To tackle online gambling, our strategic focus must be more advanced than that used by the perpetrators. We can no longer employ ordinary methods; we cannot continue 'business as usual'," he stated.

In addition to removing online gambling content, Kemenkominfo is also pushing for action against those involved in online gambling transactions.

On September 18th, 2023, Kemenkominfo involved the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to block accounts involved in online gambling activities.

"As of September 21st, 2023, 201 bank accounts have been blocked, and the OJK is processing another 1,931 accounts," Budi explained.

Kemenkominfo stated that online gambling in Indonesia has resulted in significant losses for the public. It is estimated that one online gambling site causes losses of up to Rp 27 trillion (approximately US$1.8 billion) per year.

According to data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), total online gambling transactions in Indonesia are estimated to reach Rp 200 trillion (approximately US$13.4 billion).

(See also: Kemenkominfo Handles 3.76 Million Pieces of Negative Content, Ranging from Pornography to Online Gambling)