Indonesian police have frozen Rp154.3 billion ($9.5 million) linked to illegal online gambling as part of their ongoing crackdown on digital betting platforms.
Investigators traced the funds across 811 bank accounts suspected of processing bets or holding gambling proceeds, according to the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency.
Senior Commissioner Ferdy Saragih said the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), Indonesia’s anti-money laundering agency, recommended the freezes.
“There is strong suspicion that these funds came from online gambling activities. This will not be the last. Police will continue to pursue the perpetrators and networks behind these practices,” Saragih said.
Expanding Enforcement
Online gambling is illegal in Indonesia. As part of a broader campaign targeting mobile apps and social media, the Financial Services Authority earlier this month ordered banks to block nearly 26,000 gambling-linked accounts.
Banks must also apply stricter due diligence, including cross-checking account holders against the national ID system, before shutting down flagged accounts.
Wider Debate
Recently, STIE Ekuitas academic Vidya Ramadhan suggested Indonesia could allow casinos for foreign visitors only in areas like Batam or Bali, under strict regulation to protect local communities.
Meanwhile, PPATK reported more than 25,000 flagged accounts between 2023 and July 2025, with transactions exceeding Rp1 trillion.
Authorities say the crackdown aims not only to combat financial crime but also to shield vulnerable communities. Illegal gambling often hits low-income households hardest, pushing families deeper into debt.
“This is part of our commitment to cleaning up the digital space from illegal practices,” Saragih said.
