Indonesia Expands Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

Indonesian authorities have intensified monitoring of foreign nationals after police in West Jakarta dismantled a large illegal online gambling operation involving 320 foreign citizens.

The operation, first reported by state news agency ANTARA, prompted the Indonesian government to strengthen surveillance efforts targeting locations suspected of hosting illegal gambling activities.

Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto confirmed that authorities have instructed immigration officials to increase oversight of areas considered vulnerable to similar operations.

“I have instructed the Director General to increase surveillance at all locations that could potentially be used to host similar activities” Andrianto stated during remarks in Bekasi, West Java.

The 320 individuals detained during the raid included nationals from Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. Authorities transferred the suspects to immigration officials, who are now investigating alleged violations involving visas and stay permits.

According to local reports, the group operated from a commercial property in West Jakarta using a structured organizational system similar to a corporate setup. Police reportedly discovered the suspects actively conducting online gambling activities during the raid.

Indonesian authorities also confirmed plans to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections and the Indonesian National Police to identify and prevent similar operations.

Indonesia maintains strict anti-gambling laws

Indonesia continues to enforce some of the toughest anti-gambling regulations globally. Under the country’s 1974 Control of Gambling Law, all forms of gambling, including online betting, are prohibited for both local citizens and foreign nationals.

Authorities have significantly expanded enforcement efforts against online gambling in recent years. Since implementing specialized anti-online gambling measures in 2024, Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority has blocked more than 33,000 bank accounts allegedly connected to illegal betting activities.

Individuals found participating in illegal gambling activities can face prison sentences of up to five years and fines reaching RP1 billion (approximately US$66,000).

Regional enforcement pressures operators

Industry observers have noted that intensified enforcement actions across Southeast Asia are forcing illegal operators to relocate between neighboring countries. Indonesian police suspect the syndicate uncovered in West Jakarta may have previously operated from Cambodia before moving operations to Indonesia.

Authorities are also increasing vigilance ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a period often associated with increased illegal sports betting activity.

National Police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko urged the public to remain cautious and avoid unlawful betting activities linked to football events.

“We must jointly anticipate football gambling,” Trunoyudo said. “But we must not allow this momentum to be exploited for illegal activities that could cause losses.”

Indonesia is expected to continue strengthening visa checks, surveillance measures and enforcement operations as part of its ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling networks.