Key points:
- Government to introduce new online gambling regulation with heavier sanctions
- Internet service providers and fintech firms to face stricter obligations
- Emphasis placed on protecting children and monitoring digital access
Indonesia is preparing to enforce a comprehensive regulation aimed at tackling online gambling, with a particular focus on preventive measures and clearer responsibilities for digital platforms and service providers.
As reported by Antara News, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs revealed the proposed Government Regulation on Online Gambling Eradication will introduce stronger provisions and enforcement tools across the digital ecosystem.
Director for certification and electronic transaction supervision, Teguh Arifiyadi, outlined that the regulation would apply to all actors directly or indirectly facilitating gambling activities. This includes Internet providers, financial technology services, and digital platforms. Law enforcement agencies will also have designated roles within the framework.
Under the new regulation, Internet providers will be required to implement risk mitigation systems and ongoing monitoring, with stricter compliance standards set by the Government. Arifiyadi stressed that heavier penalties will apply to those failing to meet obligations, including sanctions on platforms that indirectly support illegal gambling operations.
Good to know: Many gambling sites accessible in Indonesia do not verify user age, allowing minors to participate
The regulation will also include child protection provisions, reflecting growing concern over underage users’ exposure to gambling. Arifiyadi noted that a significant number of young people are already involved, due to the lack of effective age checks on gambling websites.
In addition, House Representative Rieke Diah Pitaloka has urged the government to apply harsher penalties to public servants and community leaders found engaging in online gambling, pointing to their influence on public behaviour.
The Ministry of Law is currently finalising the harmonisation of the draft, which is expected to be completed in the near future.
