By: Mita Pramesti )*
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating online gambling through various strategic policies that target the financial loopholes of the perpetrators. One concrete step is to tighten supervision of financial transactions that are indicated to be connected to online gambling activities.
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) together with the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) led this effort by integrating two important platforms, namely CekRekening.id and the Anti Scam Center (ASC). This integration allows for earlier detection of suspicious transactions that have the potential to support these illegal activities.
CekRekening.id, a portal designed for reporting and searching bank accounts or digital wallets related to crime, is now connected to OJK’s ASC. This system is expected to be able to identify accounts used for online gambling activities and follow up firmly.
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that her party will provide suspicious financial transaction data to OJK for follow-up. If proven, the accounts will be blocked by Bank Indonesia (BI) to stop the flow of funds to illegal platforms.
In addition, Komdigi also collaborates with cellular operators to reduce the use of credit in online gambling activities. The practice of converting credit into money has been identified as one of the perpetrators’ modus operandi.
The Minister of Communication and Digital asked mobile operators to tighten regulations on credit transfers and proactively monitor such transactions. This step is considered important, considering that credit conversion is often an alternative route for online gambling users to avoid banking detection.
Meutya Hafid also encouraged re-registration of SIM cards using population biometric data. This effort is intended to improve the accuracy of identifying perpetrators and complicate the use of fake SIM cards to support illegal transactions. On the other hand, internet service providers (ISPs) and network providers (NAPs) are also asked to block online gambling content simultaneously and comprehensively.
This strict action is not only reactive, but also includes preventive measures. Massive socialization regarding the dangers of online gambling is carried out through various channels, including digital literacy messages from mobile operators. The government targets the younger generation as the main group that needs to be made aware of the dangers of online gambling. Educational messages are designed to help them recognize the modus operandi of the perpetrators and protect themselves from their negative influences.
The government noted that online gambling transactions have reached a fantastic figure, namely IDR 41 trillion in just the first nine months of 2024. This figure reflects the large scale of the impact of this illegal activity on society, both economically and socially. Cross-sector collaboration continues to be intensified. Komdigi together with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), OJK, and cellular operators are building synergy to ensure that the eradication of online gambling is more effective.
Another progressive step is to cut off access to online gambling content. During November 2024 alone, more than 250,000 online gambling content has been blocked by the Ministry of Communication and Digital. This blocking was carried out simultaneously by involving various digital service providers. However, Meutya Hafid emphasized that blocking alone is not enough. More in-depth innovation is needed, both in the monitoring system and in the enforcement strategy.
Chairman of the OJK Board of Commissioners, Mahendra Siregar, stated that crimes in the financial sector, including online gambling, have a wide impact. Therefore, strengthening the integrity and public trust in the financial services industry is a priority. Through cross-sector collaboration, it is hoped that the government can create a system that not only breaks the chain of online gambling, but also provides maximum protection to the public.
In addition to the steps initiated by OJK and the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), support from the private sector is also an important part of this national strategy. One of them is PT Visionet Internasional (OVO), which has firmly stated its commitment not to support or facilitate online gambling activities.
OVO President Director, Karaniya Dharmasaputra, said that OVO has never worked with online gambling organizers or bookies. He emphasized that all forms of gambling activities involving the OVO platform are misuse by irresponsible parties. Such accounts and transactions are carried out without the knowledge or official approval of OVO.
OVO is taking proactive steps to combat digital financial transaction crimes. Karaniya explained that his party routinely detects and reports suspicious transactions to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK).
In addition, OVO has blocked accounts identified as perpetrators or facilitators of online gambling. This monitoring process involves in-depth detection, including verifying user ID data through Dukcapil, matching biometrics, and screening against lists of terrorists and other high-risk parties.
Not only that, OVO also actively monitors the activities of online gambling sites through cyber patrols. Data from these patrols are routinely reported to the Ministry of Communication and Digital so that related sites can be blocked immediately. This commitment is part of OVO’s full support for the government’s steps in maintaining the security of digital transactions and protecting the public from the negative impacts of online gambling.
This cross-sector collaboration is expected to create innovative solutions that not only eradicate online gambling, but also maintain the security and stability of Indonesia’s digital space. The government is committed to continuing to work hard to protect the public from the negative impacts of online gambling while ensuring that Indonesia’s digital space is a safe and conducive place for all parties.
*) The author is a contributor to the Jendela Baca Institute
