Eradicating Online Gambling, OJK Blocks 8,000 Accounts

JAKARTA - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has blocked at least 8,000 accounts indicated to be related to online gambling.

Chief Executive of Banking Supervision of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Dian Ediana Rae said this was done in the context of eradicating gambling which had a broad impact on the economy and the financial sector.

"OJK has asked banks to block more than 8,000 accounts from the Ministry of Communication and Digital data," Dian said in an online press conference in Jakarta, Friday, November 1.

Dian added, OJK also asked banks to close accounts located in the same Customer Identification File (CIF).

Based on VOI records, data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) shows that from 2017 to September 2024, online gambling transactions in Indonesia have reached more than Rp600 trillion.

In an effort to block online gambling accounts, OJK already has strong regulations. Referring to Article 36A paragraph (1) letter c, number 33 in Article 14 and Article 52 paragraph (4) letter c number 42 in Article 15 of Law Number 4 of 2023 concerning Financial Sector Development and Strengthening (UPU PPSK), in the context of carrying out surveillance tasks, OJK has the authority to order banks to block certain accounts.

To continue to strengthen the integrity of the financial services sector, on June 14, 2023, the OJK has also issued OJK Regulation (POJK) Number 8 of 2023 concerning the Implementation of Anti Money Laundering Programs, Prevention of Terrorism Financing, and Prevention of Funding for Mass Destruction Weapons Proliferation in the Financial Services Sector (POJK APU-PPT) which is proof of OJK's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the financial services sector.