The government is taking concrete steps to cut off the flow of online gambling funds by blocking accounts and e-wallets
*) By: Andi Mahesa
Online gambling has become a serious threat to Indonesia’s social and economic stability. Its rapid development in the digital era exploits various technological loopholes to operate, including through banking systems and digital wallet-based financial services. Fast, anonymous, and cross-border transactions make the circulation of online gambling proceeds increasingly difficult to trace without decisive government intervention. Recognizing this, the government has moved quickly to disrupt the flow of funds that are the lifeblood of this illegal practice. One strategic step currently being taken is blocking dormant accounts and e-wallets suspected of being used in online gambling transactions.
The Head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Ivan Yustiavandana, is committed to taking firm action against any digital wallet involved in online gambling crimes. Based on PPATK data, online gambling deposits via e-wallets have reached IDR 1.6 trillion, with a staggering 12.6 million transactions. This figure reflects the scale of the problem, which cannot be underestimated. Blocking applies not only to actively used e-wallets but also to abandoned or dormant ones, as both have the potential to be misused by criminal networks.
Ivan explained that handling e-wallets or fintech platforms requires a different approach than conventional accounts. The technology used is more dynamic and directly connected to the digital ecosystem, so monitoring and blocking methods must be adaptive. Previously, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) had implemented a policy of blocking bank accounts that had been inactive for three months, finding more than 140,000 dormant accounts that had been idle for more than 10 years. Many of these were used for illegal activities, from account buying and selling to money laundering, making immediate intervention an urgent need.
This government action reflects a comprehensive strategy that focuses not only on prosecuting perpetrators but also on cutting off funding channels. In the context of cybercrime, blocking financial access is an effective deterrent to crippling network operations. This mass blocking is a strong signal that Indonesia will not become a haven for online gamblers who use technology to evade the law. By cutting off the flow of funds, the government also protects the public from the financial risks and traps that often lead them into debt.
The Assistant Deputy for Coordination of Transnational and Extraordinary Crimes at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Brigadier General Adhi Satya Perkasa, added that the government has established an Online Gambling Eradication Coordination Desk. This forum serves as a center for cross-agency synergy to ensure effective eradication efforts. In his view, legal enforcement must be accompanied by public education, strengthened regulations, and securing cyberspace from negative content. Thus, combating online gambling must not be merely reactive, but also proactive and sustainable.
Adhi emphasized the importance of international collaboration in dealing with online gambling, which often operates across borders. Without global cooperation, networks of perpetrators will always find loopholes to move servers, obscure transactions, and evade legal action. Furthermore, regional governments are urged to actively monitor their respective regions to prevent them from becoming vulnerable points for system infiltration by online gambling content. Local oversight is key because the circulation of illegal applications often utilizes distribution channels that are difficult for central authorities to access.
According to Adhi, the success of eradicating online gambling cannot rely solely on law enforcement. Collective action from all elements of the nation is needed to maintain a healthy and safe digital space. The role of the public, media, academics, and the private sector is crucial in creating a digital ecosystem that is resilient to the infiltration of negative content. Public awareness of the dangers of online gambling must continue to grow so that prevention efforts are carried out from the start, not just downstream enforcement.
The government’s decisive actions through the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) and the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs demonstrate the country’s commitment to protecting its citizens from the dangers of online gambling. With a combination of surveillance technology, adaptive regulations, and cross-sectoral cooperation, perpetrators’ opportunities for hiding are increasingly limited. Blocking dormant accounts and e-wallets is not merely an administrative measure, but part of a comprehensive strategy to disrupt the financial ecosystem of cybercrime. At the same time, this effort conveys a moral message that the state is present to safeguard economic integrity and the moral resilience of society.
The public needs to understand that online gambling is not only a legal issue but also a social problem with far-reaching impacts. Victims not only lose their possessions but can also experience psychological disorders, marital breakdowns, and even criminality stemming from financial pressure. By understanding the impact, the public is expected to be more vigilant about any offers or advertisements that lead to gambling. Public support for government policies will accelerate the achievement of eradication goals.
Amidst the rapid flow of digitalization, vigilance is the public’s primary bulwark against the threat of online gambling. The government has taken concrete steps to cut off the flow of funds by blocking accounts and e-wallets, but the success of these efforts requires the active participation of every individual. The public must be more selective in using digital financial services, report suspicious activity, and reject all forms of normalization of gambling in public spaces. Together, we can create a safe, healthy, and productive digital ecosystem for future generations.
*) The author is a postgraduate student.
