Independent Report – The circulation of online gambling funds in Indonesia is expected to reach a massive Rp1,200 trillion in 2025. This was revealed by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK). This amount marks a significant increase compared to the previous year’s figure of Rp981 trillion. The scale of this phenomenon has drawn the attention of various parties. Especially politicians, who see its negative impact on Indonesia’s economy.
A politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). Sukamta believes that the growing turnover of online gambling money can disrupt the real economic growth in society. He explained that as the turnover of online gambling increases, more people become consumers. Sukamta stated that this directly affects the real economy, particularly for small businesses and housewives who are the largest consumers. Instead of spending money on basic needs like food. Many opt to spend on online gambling, which is essentially a scam rather than a legitimate lottery.
Sukamta warned that if this online gambling practice continues unchecked, the purchasing power of the lower-income population will decline. This could lead to many micro and small businesses losing revenue or even going bankrupt. He emphasized that online gambling damages the performance of the broader economy, which goes against the government’s efforts to strengthen the people’s economy, as envisioned by President Prabowo. Sukamta urged the government to take firm action in addressing this issue.
Regarding regulations, Sukamta acknowledged that Indonesia’s digital laws are generally strong, but he pointed out the need to adjust subordinate regulations to better align with the evolving nature of digital crimes. One regulation that requires updating is Government Regulation (PP) Number 71 of 2019. It needs to be aligned with the revised Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE). Additionally, Sukamta stressed that law enforcement must be stricter to combat the growing online gambling activities.
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Furthermore, Sukamta highlighted the importance of effective blocking of gambling sites by the government. He hopes that these efforts will be more efficient, but he also suggested that Indonesia should not rely solely on blocking. He recommended diplomatic and legal approaches with international countries. Many online gambling operators are based in ASEAN countries, and this requires international cooperation to address the issue.
Meanwhile, PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana added that, aside from online gambling, money laundering and terrorism financing also pose significant challenges for Indonesia. Ivan noted that money laundering (TPPU) and terrorism financing (TPPT) crimes continue to evolve as new technologies like cryptocurrency and online platforms are increasingly exploited. In the 2024 annual report, PPATK identified transactions linked to suspected crimes amounting to Rp1.459 trillion, with corruption being the largest category at Rp984 trillion. Online gambling accounted for Rp68 trillion.
Ivan emphasized that the challenges in combating money laundering and terrorism financing will continue to grow alongside technological advancements. He called for collective efforts from all parties to tackle these issues comprehensively, including through better regulation, law enforcement, and international cooperation.
The phenomenon of online gambling involving Rp1,200 trillion is indeed a serious threat to Indonesia’s economy. If allowed to persist, it could harm the lower-income population, micro and small businesses, and the national economy as a whole. Therefore, the government must take strategic and decisive steps to address this growing problem.
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