Online gambling crackdown must target entire ecosystem: minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized that efforts to eradicate online gambling must target the entire ecosystem, not just websites.

“Blocking access alone is insufficient. We must dismantle the ecosystem,” she said at the 2026 OJK Banking Forum at Bank Indonesia’s Jakarta complex, Tuesday.

Meutya outlined measures including site and content blocking, freezing related bank accounts, enhancing early detection, and strengthening coordination among stakeholders.

Between October 20, 2024, and July 12, 2026, the ministry blocked access to around 3.7 million gambling sites and content.

She stressed that cutting off cash flows through mule accounts is as critical as shutting down websites.

Collaboration with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and banks is deemed essential to target accounts linked to gambling funds.

The government is also advancing data integration across agencies to bolster detection and enforcement.

Meutya underscored the importance of tackling gambling‑related accounts and ramping up coordination with law enforcement to ensure comprehensive action—from prevention and financial disruption to prosecution.

Translator: Farhan Arda, Raka Adji

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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