Indonesia is intensifying its fight against illegal online gambling. During a press conference in Jakarta on November 19, 2025, the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation urged Cloudflare, a major internet infrastructure provider, to take stronger action against gambling websites operating in violation of Indonesian law.
Cloudflare Under Pressure for Enabling Gambling Platforms
Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision, revealed that a study identified Cloudflare as the backbone of 76% of 10,000 gambling websites surveyed. These sites often use Cloudflare’s content delivery services — such as IP masking and rapid domain switching — to bypass government restrictions.
Sabar emphasized that Cloudflare must work closely with Indonesian authorities and adopt stricter moderation policies. He stated that global companies should avoid supporting online platforms that threaten national security or public welfare.
Deadline Issued for Regulatory Compliance
The Ministry has officially categorized Cloudflare as one of 25 Electronic System Providers (PSEs) that have not complied with mandatory registration under Ministerial Regulation No. 5/2020.
Consequently, Cloudflare now faces a 14-working-day deadline to complete registration and follow local regulations. Otherwise, the company may encounter administrative sanctions, including service termination.
Gambling Operators Warned of Service Disruptions
Sabar also encouraged operators using Cloudflare to consider alternative service providers. If Indonesia blocks Cloudflare-connected domains, gambling platforms could experience immediate shutdowns.
He clarified that Indonesia welcomes international technology companies; however, they must demonstrate responsible digital governance and regulatory alignment.
Increased Enforcement in a Complex Digital Environment
Indonesia continues to invest in advanced monitoring tools to detect and shut down illegal online gambling networks. Yet, enforcement remains difficult because cloud services shield websites from direct intervention.
Cloudflare — headquartered in the United States — plays a critical role in the internet ecosystem. As a result, the issue highlights ongoing tensions between global internet security, user privacy, and national regulation.
A New Phase in Indonesia’s Anti-Gambling Campaign
Cloudflare must respond within the government’s deadline. This firm stance signals Indonesia’s commitment to reducing illegal gambling and protecting online consumers. The government sees stronger public-private cooperation as essential to create a safer and more compliant digital environment moving forward.
