Indonesia has blocked access to prediction market platform Polymarket, with authorities classifying the service as an online gambling operation despite its positioning as a forecasting platform.
The action forms part of the government’s broader campaign against online gambling and speculative betting activities, as regulators continue to strengthen oversight of the country’s digital ecosystem.
Government Classifies Platform as Gambling
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said Polymarket facilitates betting on uncertain future events and therefore falls within the scope of the country’s gambling restrictions.
According to Alexander Sabar, the government views the platform’s activities as a form of online gambling regardless of whether they are presented as prediction markets.
Prediction market platforms typically allow users to trade contracts linked to the outcomes of future events, including elections, economic developments, and sporting contests. Many of these services operate using blockchain technology or cryptocurrency-based systems.
However, Indonesian authorities concluded that Polymarket’s structure effectively enables monetary wagering on event outcomes, bringing it under the country’s strict anti-gambling regulations.
Authorities Expand Enforcement Measures
In addition to blocking the platform itself, the ministry has identified and restricted access to social media accounts associated with Polymarket as part of a wider effort to prevent users from accessing the service.
Officials stated that the measures aim to protect consumers, particularly younger internet users, from exposure to speculative betting activities.
The government also indicated that it will continue monitoring and restricting other platforms that offer similar prediction market services. Authorities believe early intervention is necessary to prevent the growth of digital betting products within the country.
International Regulatory Pressure Grows
Indonesia’s decision aligns with actions taken by several other jurisdictions that have imposed restrictions on prediction market platforms.
According to the ministry, countries including Singapore, Brazil, and India have blocked Polymarket, while Taiwan, Thailand, China, and Japan have introduced various restrictions under their respective legal frameworks.
Indonesian officials cited these international regulatory responses as further support for their position that prediction market platforms can function similarly to online gambling services.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Warnings
The ministry has urged citizens to avoid participating in speculative digital betting activities, including those involving cryptocurrency-based prediction markets. Officials warned that such activities may expose users to financial losses while potentially violating Indonesian law.
Authorities also confirmed that they will continue working with law enforcement agencies and other government bodies to monitor online platforms and identify services that may facilitate gambling-related activities.
With Polymarket now blocked, Indonesia has signaled that it intends to maintain a strict stance toward prediction markets and other digital platforms that involve wagering on future events.
