Taskforce takes charge of Indonesia fight against online gambling

Lea Hogg April 29, 2024

SiGMA news

Taskforce takes charge of Indonesia fight against online gambling

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Kominfo) has announced the formation of a multi-agency task force in a decisive move against online gambling.. This initiative is a significant step in the country’s ongoing battle against online gambling, an activity that remains entirely illegal across the nation. The task force, as revealed by Kominfo, will consist of representatives from various government agencies.

The government has already implemented a series of stringent measures

The first line of defense is the Registration Requirement. Every website operating within the country’s borders must register with the government. This registration process is not merely a formality. It equips the authorities with broad powers, compelling platforms to disclose user data when required.

Next, the government has enacted the Intermediary Liability Regulation (MR5) in 2020. This law mandates websites to grant Indonesian law enforcement access to any user content, including private communications and storage. Any failure to comply can result in the website being blocked entirely, a stern reminder of the government’s resolve.

Content Removal from social media and interna Social media and internet platforms are obligated to remove content deemed unlawful at the request of any government agency. The response time is swift – urgent requests must be addressed within four hours, while non-urgent ones have a 24-hour window.

The government also wields the power of Penalties for Non-compliance. Internet and social media platforms that fail to comply with the rules face the risk of fines. Repeat offenders could find their platforms blocked in Indonesia, and their staff could even face criminal sanctions.

These include the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), and the police. This information was reported by the local media outlet, Bernama. The task force’s primary objective is to combat online gambling, with each agency playing a specific role. Kominfo will supervise the digital space, OJK will manage accounts, PPATK will oversee fund flows, and the police will be responsible for arrests and investigations.

Resolute stand

This was stated by Usman Kansong, the Ministry’s Information and Public Communications Director. In addition to domestic efforts, the task force will collaborate with Interpol to tackle cross-border cases. This international cooperation is crucial given the government’s previous struggles in blocking foreign operators. Minister Budi Arie further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment by issuing a warning to all social media platforms, cellular operators, and internet service providers against facilitating any form of online gambling promotion. He stated, “We have done everything within the authority of Kominfo.

We from the Ministry of Communication and Information are fully determined. At the beginning of the week, I gathered all our teams at Kominfo to work together to eradicate online gambling.” This task force is the latest in a series of actions taken by Indonesia against online gambling. In 2012, the country announced similar plans to eliminate such activities, citing the significant amount of money gambled by locals on the Euro 2012 football championship as a primary concern.

Indonesia’s multi-agency task force represents a united front in the country’s war against online gambling. It is a testament to the government’s determination to curb this illegal activity and protect its citizens from the potential harms associated with it. The success of this initiative will undoubtedly set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues.