Indonesia Seeks Bigger Budget to Combat Gambling

Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has requested an additional IDR516.4 billion (approximately US$31.7 million) for its 2027 budget as it looks to strengthen efforts against online gambling, money laundering and terrorism financing.

If approved, the increase would raise PPATK’s total budget to IDR769.8 billion (around US$47.3 million), more than tripling its current allocation.

Expanded Resources for Enforcement

According to PPATK, the additional funding would be used to enhance several operational areas, including transaction analysis, financial investigations, compliance monitoring, international cooperation and technological infrastructure.

The agency stated that the request reflects the growing demands placed on financial intelligence operations as digital payment channels continue to be linked to gambling-related transactions and other financial crimes.

Officials believe stronger resources are needed to monitor financial activity more effectively and support wider enforcement initiatives across the country.

Concerns Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

PPATK recently warned that gambling-related transactions could rise during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after identifying patterns similar to those observed before previous major football tournaments.

The agency reported that Indonesia’s QRIS digital payment system has been used in football betting transactions and noted that some gambling funds have been transferred through nominee bank accounts.

These findings form part of broader concerns that major sporting events often trigger increases in illegal betting activity, particularly when digital payment methods are involved.

Gambling Activity Remains Significant

Although online gambling turnover declined during 2025, PPATK reported that Indonesia still recorded 422.1 million gambling-related transactions throughout the year, with total deposits reaching IDR36.01 trillion (approximately US$2.4 billion).

The figures indicate that illegal gambling activity remains substantial despite the reduction in overall turnover.

Parliamentary Support

The budget proposal has already received support from members of parliament, who argue that PPATK requires additional resources to investigate financial crimes and recover assets linked to illegal gambling operations.

Lawmakers believe increased funding would strengthen the agency’s ability to monitor suspicious financial activity and improve cooperation with domestic and international enforcement partners.

Ongoing Crackdown

Indonesia continues to intensify its efforts against online gambling networks, with PPATK playing a central role in identifying and tracking financial flows connected to illegal activities.

The proposed budget increase forms part of a wider strategy aimed at strengthening enforcement capabilities and improving oversight of financial transactions associated with gambling, money laundering and related crimes.

If approved, the additional funding would significantly expand PPATK’s operational capacity as authorities continue their campaign against illegal online gambling ahead of 2027.