Indonesia steps up online gambling-related payment platform measures
Under the supervision of Minister Budi Aricetiadi, Indonesia's Communications Information Ministry has launched a strong initiative targeting 21 payment service providers. The move came as part of a broader effort to crack down on online gambling activities promoted through digital payment platforms. On Saturday, Indonesia's Communications Information Ministry said in a statement that the providers were formally warned on Friday and threatened to have their operating licenses revoked if they were found to have difficulty enabling online gambling transactions.
Immediate action required for payment services:
Minister Budi Arie Setiadi explained the government's concerns and the immediate action that payment services should take. "The Ministry of Communication has sent a warning letter to these payment service providers to ensure that services are not used to facilitate online gambling transactions. The move comes after an investigation revealed tangible links between several payment services and illegal gambling operations.
According to a report by Asia Gaming Brief, Kominfo has called on these agencies to conduct an extensive internal audit to mitigate further misuse. The purpose of this audit is to ensure that their system is not perfect from gambling or other exploitation of illegal activities. The service providers involved are required to report the results of this audit to the ministry within a strict seven-day deadline.
The impact of the failure to meet the ministry's requirements is profound. "If the Ministry of Communication does not receive the results of an internal audit within seven days, the payment service provider will be subject to administrative sanctions in accordance with relevant laws and regulations," highlighted Minister Budi Ary Setiadi as reported by Jakarta Daily. This underscores the government's firm stance on compliance and its readiness to implement regulatory measures against defaulters. 동행복권파워볼
National Campaign Against Online Gambling:
The action against payment providers is part of a national campaign led by President Joko Widodo. In June 2024, President Widodo signed a decree establishing a special task force to eradicate online gambling, signaling a high-level commitment to addressing this pervasive issue. The creation of the task force reflects a strategic approach to rooting out financial channels that support illegal gambling activities.
In addition, the Financial Transaction Report Analysis Center (PPATK) plays an important role in the initiative. In a recent report, PPATK said it has blocked thousands of bank accounts related to online gambling, with blocked transactions amounting to $600 trillion (US36.39 billion). The financial crackdown supplements regulatory measures, forming a comprehensive strategy to combat online gambling.
Through these measures, Indonesia demonstrates a determined effort to maintain the integrity of its digital payment environment and protect its citizens from the risks associated with online gambling. By implementing strict compliance and leveraging both regulatory and financial interventions, governments aim to create a safer and more regulated environment, significantly reducing the spread of illegal online gambling activities.