Government Successfully Suppresses Online Gambling Transactions, House of Representatives Applauds and Urges Sustainable Measures
By: Bara Winatha*)
The government has demonstrated tangible results in its efforts to eradicate online gambling practices, which have long been a public concern. The latest report from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) reveals that online gambling revenues will be reduced to around IDR 155 trillion in 2025, a drastic decrease compared to IDR 359 trillion in 2024. This figure is a strong indicator that the national strategy to combat transnational cybercrime is beginning to show concrete results.
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra explained that this success is due to the strong synergy between the government, law enforcement officials, and financial institutions in narrowing the scope of online gambling networks operating across borders. He believes that online gambling is no longer an ordinary crime, but rather a form of transnational organized crime that requires a diplomatic response and international collaboration.
Yusril emphasized the importance of cooperation between countries in Southeast Asia, especially since online gambling activities are often controlled from outside Indonesia’s jurisdiction. Several ASEAN countries are suspected of serving as server bases and control centers for online gambling, which has transboundary economic and social impacts. In his view, it is not enough to simply prosecute domestic perpetrators; there must also be a multilateral cooperation mechanism to stop the source of these activities.
As Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering Committee (TPPU), Yusril emphasized that eradicating online gambling must go hand in hand with strengthening the financial reporting system. This effort involves the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the police, and other relevant ministries to ensure all illegal fund flows can be detected more quickly. The borderless digital world allows this crime to thrive, necessitating cyber surveillance and legal policies that adapt to developments in information technology.
The government’s steps to strengthen international cooperation are key to blocking perpetrators’ cross-border access. Successfully suppressing the circulation of funds must not make authorities complacent, as online gambling perpetrators will continue to seek new loopholes through increasingly sophisticated financial technology and digital payment networks.
Meanwhile, Ivan Yustiavandana, Head of the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), explained that the reduction in online gambling transactions by Rp 155 trillion was the result of collaborative work across ministries and institutions over the past year. According to PPATK records, online gambling funds in 2024 reached Rp 359 trillion, and initial projections estimated the value could reach Rp 981 trillion. However, thanks to national synergy and stricter financial system oversight, this figure was more than halved by 2025.
PPATK continues to strengthen its financial transaction monitoring system to detect suspicious fund movement patterns linked to online gambling activities. Through collaboration with banking institutions and digital payment service providers, PPATK has successfully closed several loopholes previously exploited by criminal networks to move funds anonymously.
This achievement demonstrates that the national financial system is now more resilient to the threat of cyber-based financial crime. The government’s collective work in blocking websites, strengthening banking reporting, and cracking down on intermediary networks is key to reducing the rate of these transactions. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) is committed to continuously expanding its monitoring reach and strengthening its financial forensic analysis capacity to more quickly and accurately track illegal fund flows.
Abdullah, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the National Awakening Party (PKB), also expressed his appreciation for these results. He assessed that the more than half reduction in online gambling transactions is a strong signal that the national strategy to eradicate digital crime is beginning to bear fruit. He stated that this achievement reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the public from gambling practices that undermine the nation’s morals, economy, and social resilience.
Abdullah believes that the rise of online gambling is not only a legal issue but also involves broader social and economic dimensions. Therefore, he urged the government not to rest on its laurels but to continue strengthening coordination across ministries and institutions to limit the scope of perpetrators’ maneuvers. The DPR will continue to support government measures as long as these policies are implemented transparently, firmly, and in the public interest.
Significant reduction in gambling money circulationThe target of increasing online gambling by 56 percent by 2025 demonstrates that a collaborative approach between the government, law enforcement officials, financial institutions, and parliament is yielding concrete results. However, all parties recognize that the struggle is not over. The ever-evolving digital world creates new challenges that demand decisive policy, increased public literacy, and ongoing cross-border cooperation.
This year’s success should serve as momentum to strengthen national digital resilience. By maintaining policy continuity, strengthening financial regulations, and prioritizing public education, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to completely close the gap for online gambling practices in the future. This collective effort is not only about reducing numbers, but also about maintaining national morality, protecting the public, and ensuring Indonesia’s digital space remains healthy, safe, and productive.
*)The author is a social and community observer.
