Indonesia Takes Aim at Online Gambling
Indonesia is stepping up its efforts to combat online gambling with a multi-pronged strategy involving advanced technology and stricter financial regulations.
AI-Powered Enforcement
The new government is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and block gambling websites and content. This AI-powered system scrutinizes online platforms for keywords, patterns, and other indicators often associated with online gambling operations.
Kominfo, the Ministry of Communication and Information, has reported remarkable results in the initial deployment of this AI technology. In just five days, it successfully blocked access to nearly 50,000 gambling websites ayah and 20,000 domain names linked to illegal online gambling activities.
This signals a decisive shift in the Indonesian Government’s approach to tackle the proliferating online gambling industry.
Tightening the Financial Net
In a parallel measure, the government is calling for tighter regulation of “Pulsa” transactions, a popular payment system in Indonesia. Concern is mounting that this widely used mole payment system is being exploited by online money launderers to fund illegal online gambling operations.
The Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny Gerard Plate, stressed the need for more stringent oversight and tighter collaboration with financial institutions to effectively shut down these illicit activities. He emphasized that “Pulsa” transactions should not be used as a conduit for illegal cash flows.
Decision on whether to further Restrict
Money Laundering Concerns Grow
The government’Quality is delving deeper into perplexing concerns about “Pulsa”, the wildly popular system for handling financial transactions in Indonesia.
Following calls to increase controls over payments mastered by this very popular system, the Communications Minister, Johnny Gerard Plate, voiced concerns about its potential use in gambling transactions.
An official at the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), explained that they are having ongoing discussions with the Ministry to decide whether or not to curb “Pulsa” transactions
The PPATK is holding discussionswith Kominfo about implementing more stringent money laundering restrictions.
Recognizing the Dependence on Pulsa:
“It’s important to remember,” added Ferry Irwandi, “that while digital payment platforms are widely used, this alone doesn’t mean they’re inherently problematic. Just like smoking, online gambling itself is the issue, not the tools people use.”
This approach reveals a growing understanding that tackling online gambling effectively demands a multifaceted strategy. Regularly integrity,
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The government believes that a balanced and comprehensive approach, blending technological vigilance with continued watchdogging of financial channels, will be crucial in curtailing online gambling’s spread.
What new measures is Indonesia taking to combat online gambling?
## Indonesia Cracks Down on Online Gambling
**(INTRO MUSIC)**
**HOST:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re discussing Indonesia’s aggressive new campaign against online gambling. Joining us to shed light on this issue is Dr. Suryadi, an expert on digital security and policy in Southeast Asia. Dr. Suryadi, thanks for being here.
**DR. SURYADI:** Happy to be here.
**HOST:** So, Indonesia has long struggled with online gambling, but it seems they’re really stepping up their efforts. Can you tell us more about these new measures?
**DR. SURYADI:** Absolutely. The Indonesian government is taking a two-pronged approach. Firstly, they’re deploying sophisticated AI technology to detect and block gambling websites and content. This AI system, according to Kominfo, the Ministry of Communication and Information, has already blocked access to almost 50,000 gambling websites and 20,000 related domains in just five days. [[1](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/in-latest-bid-to-stop-people-losing-money-indonesian-government-calls-online-gambling-a-scam)]
**HOST:** That’s incredibly impressive. But surely, new sites just pop up all the time?
**DR. SURYADI:** That’s true, it’s a cat-and-mouse game. However, the government is also working to tighten financial regulations surrounding “Pulsa” transactions, a popular payment system in Indonesia. There’s a growing concern that this method is being exploited for money laundering linked to online gambling.
**HOST:** So, by making it harder to move money, they hope to disrupt the entire operation?
**DR. SURYADI:** Exactly. The government believes that targeting financial flows is crucial in combating this illegal industry. This combined approach of technological intervention and financial regulation might be Indonesia’s best chance yet at tackling this complex issue.
**HOST:** This is certainly a situation to watch. Dr. Suryadi, thank you so much for your insights.
**DR. SURYADI:** My pleasure.
**(OUTRO MUSIC)**