Indonesia has taken decisive steps to curb online gambling activities by targeting internet lines connected to the Philippines and Cambodia. This move, initiated by the nation’s Communications and Informatics Ministry, aims to sever access to networks allegedly facilitating illegal online gaming within Indonesia.

Under directives issued on June 21st, Indonesia’s NAP (Network Access Point) service providers have been instructed to block internet lines associated with online gambling, particularly those traced to locations in Davao, Philippines, and Cambodia. This strategic approach follows regional precedents where jurisdictions focus on disrupting infrastructure rather than targeting individual platforms directly.

Budi Arie Setiadi, Indonesia’s Communications and Informatics Minister, emphasized that these measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate online gambling from the country. The initiative includes the removal of nearly 3 million pieces of online gambling content from mid-2023 to mid-2024, demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment to enforcement.

Financial and Regulatory Impact

In addition to the NAP directive, Indonesia has sought cooperation from financial institutions to freeze approximately 5,800 bank accounts and block 555 e-wallets under Bank Indonesia’s authority. This multifaceted approach underscores the severity with which Indonesia views online gambling, with penalties for participants and organizers reaching up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $1,500.

Indonesia’s newly formed gambling task force, comprising personnel from the National Armed Forces and National Police Force, plays a pivotal role in monitoring suspicious financial activities linked to online gambling. Hadi Tjahjanto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor and block access to overseas iGaming platforms, ensuring compliance with Indonesia’s strict anti-gambling laws.

Financial Transaction Oversight

The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center of Indonesia continue to analyze surveillance data to identify and investigate potential online gambling transactions. Recent findings have flagged thousands of bank accounts suspected of involvement in iGaming activities, which are then forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Agency for further action.

As Indonesia intensifies its crackdown on online gambling networks, these concerted efforts underscore the government’s commitment to upholding national laws and safeguarding societal interests against the adverse impacts of illicit gambling. By targeting network access providers and bolstering financial oversight, Indonesia aims to mitigate the proliferation of online gambling activities across its borders.

Source:

Indonesia on Philippines and Cambodia to shut down online gambling via NAPs, agbrief.com, June 23, 2024.

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