Indonesia Deploys AI to Tackle Illegal Online Gambling

Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to curb illegal online gambling, turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical tool in the fight. In October alone, authorities blocked over 380,000 gambling-related websites under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership.

The rebranding of Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs reflects a broader shift towards digital governance. New minister Meutya Hafid outlined a 100-day action plan with four main objectives:

Strengthening personal data protection,
Digitising public services,
Eradicating online gambling,
Creating child-safe online environments.

As of October 20, the government has taken down over 380,000 websites, 300,000 illegal IP addresses, and thousands of gambling ads across platforms like Meta, Google, and Twitter. AI-powered “digital patrols” have played a pivotal role in these efforts, according to Hafid.

Indonesia’s financial sector is also stepping up. Vice Governor of the Bank of Indonesia, Juda Agung, highlighted new fraud detection requirements for payment providers to identify accounts linked to gambling activities.

Despite these measures, illegal gambling remains a widespread issue. In 2023, Indonesian gamblers reportedly lost IDR 327 trillion (€19.5 billion), equating to 1.5% of the country’s GDP. Online platforms were responsible for generating IDR 283 trillion, much of which was transferred abroad, according to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK).

Officials have voiced alarm over the societal impact of gambling. Minister of Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar described it as a “social disaster,” while Education Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro revealed troubling statistics: 960,000 online gamblers are students, including 80,000 children under 10 years old.

Indonesia’s strategy involves a dual approach: monitoring online activity and financial transactions through AI, combined with public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of gambling. While challenges persist, the government remains committed to addressing the issue and reducing its societal toll.