Indonesia’s newly established joint task force between the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) and Meta is being viewed as a significant step toward tackling online gambling content. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts are calling for broader cooperation across government agencies to address the issue more effectively.
Cross-Agency Cooperation Needed
Alfons Tanujaya, cybersecurity expert and Deputy Chairperson of the Association of National ICT Entrepreneurs, said combating online gambling requires stronger coordination between Komdigi, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), and law enforcement agencies.
According to Tanujaya, simply blocking gambling websites is not enough. Operators continue creating new platforms driven by financial incentives. Additionally, persistent consumer demand allows illegal services to reappear.
He said the new collaboration between Komdigi and Meta provides an important channel for government agencies to work directly with social media platforms. This cooperation helps in limiting the spread of gambling-related content.
Social Media Plays a Central Role
Tanujaya noted that digital platforms possess valuable user data, including IP addresses associated with accounts posting gambling promotions. He said this information could help authorities identify the networks responsible for spam campaigns. These campaigns often flood social media comment sections with links to illegal gambling websites.
He added that enforcement efforts should extend beyond removing content. Therefore, authorities should target the financial infrastructure and criminal organizations supporting illegal gambling operations.
According to Tanujaya, disrupting funding channels and identifying syndicates would deliver more lasting results than website blocking alone.
Government Expands Enforcement
Communication and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced on June 30 that Komdigi and Meta had established a joint team to combat gambling-related spam. This spam has been appearing across Facebook and Instagram.
The ministry said the initiative was launched in response to a 128% increase in gambling-related spam comments over the previous two weeks. This increase was compared with the average recorded between January and June 2026.
Hafid also indicated that the strategy could eventually be expanded to additional social media platforms if it proves effective.
Toward a Coordinated Response
Tanujaya said the joint task force has the potential to clarify the responsibilities of government agencies and technology companies. It can also help improve coordination against illegal online gambling.
By combining content moderation, platform cooperation, financial investigations, and law enforcement efforts, Indonesian authorities aim to strengthen their ability to disrupt online gambling networks. In addition, they hope to reduce the spread of illegal gambling promotions across digital platforms.
