Massive Year-Long Operation
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has removed more than 2 million web pages, apps, and social media posts linked to illegal gambling in less than a year. Despite the sweeping crackdown, officials warn that online betting platforms remain widespread across the country.
Escalating Digital Patrols
Kemkomdigi launched its intensified “cyber patrols” on October 24, 2024. Since then, the ministry has blocklisted and geoblocked over two million pieces of gambling-related content, marking one of Indonesia’s most aggressive campaigns against unlicensed betting.
The initial phase proved especially active. Between October 20–31, 2024, the ministry removed 187,297 pages and posts. Numbers peaked in November at 250,475 items before tapering slightly in December. After several fluctuations, the crackdown surged again in mid-2025, with 199,986 items blocked in July and 197,523 in August. As of early September, cyber patrols remain highly active, adding more than 17,000 new takedowns this month alone.
Action Across Major Platforms
Most of the blocked content came from websites and file-sharing platforms. However, Kemkomdigi also targeted social media and app stores:
- 90,258 posts removed from Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram)
- 33,266 requests sent to Google and YouTube
- 16,878 posts blocked on X (formerly Twitter)
- 1,663 posts removed from Telegram
- 959 TikTok videos taken down
- 14 posts on Line deleted
- 3 gambling apps blocklisted from Indonesia’s App Store
Public Urged to Join Fight
Authorities are now urging citizens to play a role in the campaign. The ministry encouraged people to report gambling content through its website, WhatsApp channel, and dedicated anti-gambling chatbot.
Although Kemkomdigi has made significant progress, officials stress that the fight is far from over. “We will step up efforts to eradicate online gambling,” the ministry said, signaling that digital patrols will remain a central pillar in Indonesia’s crackdown.
