Indonesia freezes over 28,000 bank accounts in major anti-gambling move
Over 28,000 bank accounts in Indonesia have been frozen by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) in 2024. These accounts are suspected of being used for online gambling and other illegal activities such as fraud and drug trafficking.
As per reports, PPATK said the accounts were part of a scheme involving the buying and selling of bank accounts. Many were used to deposit money for illegal gambling. Some were also linked to fraud, drug trafficking and other crimes. PPATK Chief Ivan Yustiavandana said that one of the most common methods used was taking over dormant accounts — accounts that had not been used for a long time.
Issuing a statement, Yustiavandana said, “In accordance with our authority under Law No. 8 of 2010, PPATK has carried out temporary suspensions of customer transactions involving accounts classified as dormant, based on banking data.” He said and prevent criminals from using these accounts.
Public reactions to account suspensions
The freezing of accounts led to complaints on social media. Some customers said their banks froze their accounts without warning or clear reasons. In some cases, banks mentioned instructions from PPATK. One of the affected people is Andrew Darwis, founder of Kaskus.
The PPATK has further stated that the freeze is temporary and customers still own their money. Customers can reactivate their accounts by contacting their banks and following the required procedures.
PPATK has advised the public to close accounts that are no longer in use, avoid sharing personal banking information with unknown parties, and report any suspicious transactions to banks or law enforcement.
The agency also said that some people, especially in rural areas, were tricked into opening new accounts and selling them to gambling groups.
PPATK said the freeze also helps inform customers about unused accounts and notifies heirs or company managers about old corporate accounts. “These steps are solely to protect public interests and realise a better integrity of the Indonesian financial system,” it said.
Top Islamic body rejects gambling proposal
This crackdown comes as Indonesia’s top Islamic authority firmly rejected a parliamentary proposal to legalise gambling. During a hearing on 8 May 2025, a lawmaker suggested it as a way to boost non-tax state revenue, citing the UAE as an example. In response, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) called the idea “shocking” and “deeply misguided.”
MUI Deputy Chairman Anwar Abbas said, “This proposal not only goes against Islamic teachings, but also contradicts the values enshrined in our constitution and Pancasila.” The council urged the government to prioritise legal and sustainable economic approaches instead of gambling, warning that legalising it would damage the nation’s moral and ideological foundations.
Ongoing efforts against online gambling and financial crimes
Earlier this month, Indonesian authorities froze over 5,000 bank accounts linked to online gambling as part of efforts to fight financial crimes. PPATK reported that transactions through these accounts in early 2024 reached around Rp600 trillion (about US$36.39 billion). Many of the funds were sent to other ASEAN countries.
This is part of a national effort to combat money laundering and illegal financing. PPATK cooperates with banks, the police, and government agencies to make the financial system stronger and to lessen the damage caused by online gambling and related crimes.
Indonesia cracks down on illegal gambling
Indonesia continues its strict crackdown on illegal gambling, which is banned for both citizens and foreigners. Those caught gambling can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 25 million rupiah ($1,520). Authorities have linked gambling addiction to rising crime and an increase in high-interest loans. The country’s leading Islamic scholar body considers cockfighting as haram (forbidden).
Even though gambling is illegal in Indonesia, it has surged, especially online. In the first quarter of 2025, more than 1.07 million Indonesians participated in online gambling, according to PPATK. The agency found that 71 percent of these users earned less than IDR 5 million per month (about $315), highlighting concerns about the financial risks faced by lower-income groups.
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) took down over 1.3 million pieces of digital content linked to gambling and pornography between 20 October 2024 and 8 March 2025. Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision, credited the Indonesian public for this achievement and their active role in reporting such content through the aduankonten.id portal.
