Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has warned that the country could face losses of up to Rp1,000 trillion (approximately $62 billion) by the end of 2025 if online gambling remains unchecked.
The projection, based on data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), underscores the scale of the threat posed by illegal online betting platforms.
“According to PPATK data, if no intervention is taken, potential losses from online gambling could reach around Rp1,000 trillion by the end of 2025,” said Brigadier General Alexasander Sabar, Director General for Digital Space Oversight at Komdigi, during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (May 15).
Online gambling, he said, remains a serious issue in Indonesia’s digital space, affecting all segments of society.
“This practice is eroding productivity, destroying family finances, and jeopardizing the future of our younger generation,” Sabar said, calling it not merely a legal violation but a growing digital threat.
To tackle the problem, Komdigi has implemented technical measures such as blocking access to gambling sites and related content.
Between October 20, 2024, and May 2025, the ministry took down around 1.3 million gambling-related content items. The majority of which about 1.2 million originated from websites and IP addresses, followed by gambling ads on social media.
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Beyond enforcement, Komdigi is also working closely with law enforcement agencies and electronic system operators to build a coordinated response.
The ministry has encouraged public involvement through its complaint platform, aduan.id, and is also prioritizing education as part of its approach.
“Combating online gambling isn’t just about prohibition, it’s about education,” said Sabar. “We’re committed to raising awareness, especially in remote areas where access to online information is limited.”
He emphasized the importance of in-person outreach to communities with limited digital access, describing it as a crucial complement to ongoing digital interventions.
As Indonesia ramps up its efforts to combat online gambling, officials stress that a combined approach of law enforcement, digital intervention, and public education is crucial to protecting the nation’s economy and safeguarding future generations.
(Raidi/Agung)
