Indonesia Has Already Blocked 43,000+ Gambling Ads in 2025

Indonesia's Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) Ministry has kicked off 2025 with a significant crackdown on online gambling, blocking 43,063 digital items within the first six days of the year. This sweeping action targeted a variety of platforms, including social media accounts and websites, as part of the government’s intensified efforts to curb illegal gambling.

This initiative underscores the priorities set by President Prabowo Subianto and Communication Minister Meutya Hafid, who have committed to safeguarding young people from online gambling and other harmful digital content.

Molly Prabawaty, Acting Director General of Public Communication and Media, highlighted the ministry’s extensive enforcement efforts spanning October 2024 to January 2025, during which 711,522 items were blocked across numerous platforms.

The scope of these actions is reflected in the detailed breakdown:

1. 652,147 items on websites and IP addresses
2. 29,964 items on Meta platforms
3. 17,836 items on file-sharing services
4. Thousands more across Google, YouTube, X, Telegram, and TikTok

“The ministry has focused particularly on Instagram accounts with large followings used to promote gambling sites,”Prabawaty noted, emphasizing the growing need for vigilance against such tactics.

Officials stress the importance of community involvement in combating online gambling. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s digital activities closely, while the public can report suspicious content via multiple channels, including a dedicated website, WhatsApp hotline, and an anti-gambling chatbot.

This comprehensive approach underscores Indonesia’s commitment to addressing the digital threats posed by gambling and creating a safer online environment for its citizens.