In a big move to show both technological and cultural will, Indonesia’s new government has declared war on online gambling. With artificial intelligence and a broad mandate for change, President Pabrowo Subianto’s administration is targeting what it sees as a toxic force that erodes social welfare. The results are already staggering: 380,000 sites blocked in October 2024 alone.
At the heart of this effort is the newly-created Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, led by Meutya Hafid. Its 100-day agenda is to digitalize government services, protect personal data and most importantly, eradicate illegal online gambling. One of the ministry’s strategies is to use AI technology to hunt down and dismantle gambling platforms hidden in the vast mess of the internet. For an industry that’s all about quick thrills and instant rewards, it’s a big blow – no deposit free spins or not.
The Numbers Are Scary
Gambling is banned in Indonesia but its presence is everywhere despite the practice being illegal. According to ABC Asia, Indonesians lost $20.5 billion to gambling in 2023 – 1.5% of the country’s GDP. Most of the money flows out of the country, bypassing local systems and leaving behind personal debt and social unrest.
More worrying is the spread of online gambling to vulnerable communities. According to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center, nearly a million high school and college students have tried online gambling this year alone, 80,000 of them are under 10 years old. For a country that wants to modernize while preserving its culture and religion, these numbers are more than statistics – they’re an alarm, and they're gathering attention.
A Tech War
In a country as big and digital as Indonesia, traditional methods of enforcement will not work. That’s where AI comes in, offering speed, precision and scale. AI algorithms scan the web for illegal gambling content, flag suspicious activity and block access in real-time.
The government doesn’t stop at site takedowns. Special cyber-patrols monitor Meta, Google and Twitter for gambling ads while financial watchdogs monitor transactions for fraudulent activity. Bank Indonesia has even instructed payment providers to strengthen their fraud detection systems to catch accounts linked to gambling businesses.
Hafid’s ministry wants a “child-friendly internet” – and that’s part of its overall war against gambling. Whether through AI’s block-and-ban or education efforts, the government’s approach is big and smart – exactly what’s needed to fight an industry that’s quick and agile.
The Social Cost
Indonesia’s crackdown isn’t just about the law; it’s about a deepening social crisis. Community Empowerment Minister Muhaimin Iskandar calls online gambling a “social disaster” that targets the most vulnerable. Gamblers are often victims of elaborate scams, lured by promises of easy money but end up with empty bank accounts and debts.
Iskandar has been talking about the bigger picture, linking gambling to poverty and social unrest. So is Education Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro who says the impact on youth is devastating. Every click and bet has a ripple effect – money lost, education disrupted and families broken.
Fighting Fire with Literacy
The government’s crackdown isn’t just about high tech. Alongside its AI-driven efforts, Indonesia is launching a massive campaign to boost digital literacy. This two pronged approach aims to eliminate online gambling at both the systemic and grassroots level.
Educating the public – especially in rural and low income areas – has become the cornerstone of the campaign. Community workshops, social media initiatives and public service announcements will demystify the tactics of online gambling operators and equip citizens to resist their temptation. “The grassroots community especially must not be deceived by this practice,” Iskandar says.
Global Lessons
Indonesia isn’t the first to deal with online gambling but its approach could be a precedent for others. By combining AI with public education the government is tackling both the supply and demand side of the equation.
Countries with regulated gambling industries will scoff at Indonesia’s blanket ban, saying taxation and regulation is a more practical approach. But Indonesia’s cultural and religious context requires a different kind of response – one that prioritizes moral and social well being over revenue.
The Future
As with any big change, success will depend on sustained effort and public support. The numbers so far—380,000 sites blocked, countless ads removed, countless transactions disrupted—look good. But the hard part is keeping the momentum going against an ever-changing enemy.
Critics will say the government is being too controlling or that it will drive gambling underground. But for Indonesia, the risk is too great to do nothing. This is a country at a crossroads, trying to balance modernity with tradition, individual freedom with communal responsibility.
Ultimately the story of Indonesia’s war on online gambling is more than just about blocking and bots. It’s about the country itself—its values, its problems, its dreams. We’ll see if it pays off, but for now, the bet is on.
