JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS– Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has projected that online gambling transactions may reach a staggering Rp150.36 trillion (US$9.5 billion) in 2025 if current enforcement measures remain unchanged.

The estimate was revealed by PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana during the Risk-Based Mentoring Program (Promensisko) at the PPATK headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday. The projection is based on first-quarter 2025 data showing Rp47.97 trillion in online gambling transactions.

Yustiavandana emphasized that stronger government intervention could significantly reduce this figure. “With Communications Minister Meutya Hafid intensifying site blocking and National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo enhancing enforcement, we could see a 58.21% reduction,” he stated.

The PPATK chief warned that without intervention, the situation could worsen dramatically. He noted that existing measures have already reduced public access to gambling platforms by 50%, limiting deposits to Rp28.98 trillion in the current scenario.

However, Yustiavandana cautioned about worst-case possibilities. “If fintech platforms become involved and the government doesn’t act, transactions could balloon to Rp1,100 trillion,” he said, highlighting the potential for massive money laundering through digital financial services.

The official also revealed that without any fintech involvement but continued government inaction, online gambling transactions could still reach Rp481.22 trillion in 2025. These projections underscore the growing challenge of regulating digital gambling in Indonesia’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

PPATK’s enforcement efforts have already made significant strides. In 2024 alone, the agency temporarily froze transactions for 15,407 bank accounts linked to online gambling activities. Additionally, their data shows that 3.8 million of Indonesia’s 8.8 million online gamblers were in debt.