Indonesia takes down over 2.1 million gambling-related online posts
Digital crackdown targets harmful content without curbing free expression.
Key points:
– Over 2.1 million gambling-related items removed
– Authorities stress focus on safety, not censorship
– Trial of content moderation system ending soon
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has taken down nearly 2.8 million online posts over the past year, most of them tied to online gambling.
As reported by ANTARA News, the removal period covers 20 October 2024 to 16 September 2025. Of the total, 2.1 million items were related to illegal gambling activity, according to Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Monitoring at Komdigi.
“These numbers illustrate the scale of digital threats we are facing,” said Sabar during a press briefing in Jakarta. He provided a detailed breakdown of the takedowns, with more than 1.9 million items removed from websites alone. Other platforms targeted included Meta (94,004), Google (35,092), X (17,417) and Telegram (1,742). Lesser figures came from TikTok, Line and app stores.
Good to know: Komdigi has been trialling a new Content Moderation Compliance System (SAMAN) since late 2024, designed to ensure platform accountability under Indonesian law
The Ministry clarified that its actions are not intended to stifle free speech but to protect users from content that could lead to financial harm or addiction. Sabar emphasised the importance of maintaining a digital space that is “clean, safe, healthy, productive and compliant”.
The SAMAN system, currently in its one-year pilot phase, helps enforce regulations by assessing whether platforms are upholding community standards and national guidelines. The trial period is expected to conclude next month.
Citizens are encouraged to assist by reporting suspicious or harmful online material, including gambling-related content, via official Komdigi reporting channels.
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