Indonesia is taking decisive action against online gambling by instructing telecommunication providers to block access to websites operating from Cambodia and Davao City in the Philippines. This move, confirmed through a letter issued by the Ministry of Communications, reflects Indonesia's ongoing battle against illegal online activities within its borders.

Despite the nation's strict ban on online gambling, an estimated 3.2 million Indonesians engage in these activities, with significant participation from sectors like education and domestic care. Alarmingly, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center highlights that gambling-related transactions have surged to 600 trillion rupiah (approximately US$36.5 billion) just in the first quarter of 2024.

The government's concerns are compounded by recent incidents linking online gambling to serious social issues, including crime and suicide. In response, President Joko Widodo has established a specialized police task force aimed at dismantling illegal gambling operations and has called upon community and religious leaders to support these efforts.

Moreover, Indonesia has taken steps against over 2.1 million illegal gambling sites and three major online gambling syndicates, recovering assets worth up to 1.4 trillion rupiah. The crackdown extends to major tech platforms like TikTok, Google, and Meta, which have been warned against displaying gambling advertisements.

This initiative is part of a broader regional effort to curb online gambling in Southeast Asia, where the practice has been linked to fraud, human trafficking, and other crimes. Neighboring countries like the Philippines and Singapore are also implementing measures to address related issues in their jurisdictions.

---