Indonesia reports 718 illegal online gambling cases in H1 2026
Indonesia investigated 718 illegal online gambling cases during the first half of 2026, according to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. Speaking during Indonesia’s 80th Bhayangkara Anniversary celebrations on 1 July, Prabowo said police arrested 1,164 suspects between January and June and seized assets worth IDR1.75 trillion ($107 million).
Authorities also intensified efforts to restrict access to illegal gambling platforms. The Ministry of Communication and Digital blocked more than 278,000 pieces of online gambling content during the six-month period.
International gambling network linked to 145 domains
One of the largest cases involved an alleged international online gambling syndicate operating through at least 145 gambling websites and domains. According to police, the investigation led to the detention of 322 foreign nationals. Authorities have named 291 individuals as suspects.
Officials said the case demonstrated how online gambling networks increasingly operate across borders, using digital infrastructure, payment systems and foreign-based operators to target customers in multiple jurisdictions.
The investigation follows several recent operations involving foreign nationals suspected of links to gambling and cybercrime activities.
In May, Indonesian immigration authorities detained more than 320 foreign nationals in West Jakarta over alleged involvement in an online gambling operation. The case prompted a review of visa procedures amid concerns that criminal groups may be exploiting short-term entry schemes to establish illegal businesses.
Indonesia strengthens gambling enforcement
The latest figures come as Indonesian authorities expand efforts to combat illegal online gambling and related financial crimes. In June, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) requested an additional Rp516.4 billion ($31.7 million) in funding for 2027. The agency said the increase would support investigations into money laundering, terrorism financing and online gambling.
PPATK has repeatedly identified online gambling as a significant financial crime risk because of its links to illicit transactions and organised criminal activity.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the agency also warned of increased gambling-related transaction activity. Investigators reported patterns similar to those seen before previous major football tournaments.
Officials said gambling operators have increasingly used QRIS payments, nominee bank accounts and other financial channels to move funds linked to betting activity.
According to PPATK data, online gambling transactions reached Rp286.84 trillion ($17.6 billion) in 2025. Authorities recorded 422.1 million gambling transactions and identified 12.3 million people making gambling-related deposits through banks, e-wallets and QRIS payment services.
Social media platforms face growing pressure
Indonesia’s crackdown has also expanded to social media platforms. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Communication and Digital announced a partnership with Meta to tackle gambling-related spam on Facebook and Instagram.
Authorities reported a 128 per cent increase in gambling-related spam comments over a two-week period. Officials said operators were increasingly using automated accounts to promote gambling websites through comment sections rather than traditional online advertising.
Government data showed influencer accounts accounted for more than half of all gambling-related spam activity detected by regulators. The joint task force will focus on content moderation, enforcement coordination, and the disruption of organised spam campaigns linked to illegal gambling operators.
Indonesia has some of Southeast Asia’s strictest anti-gambling laws, yet authorities continue to uncover large-scale online gambling networks. Officials say many operators have become more sophisticated, using international structures, digital payment systems and new technologies to avoid detection.
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