Indonesian authorities have intensified their monitoring of foreign visitors after a significant police raid in the capital uncovered an extensive online gambling network involving 320 foreign nationals.
The operation, first reported by state news agency ANTARA, has prompted government officials to heighten surveillance of potential venues used for illegal gambling activities.
Speaking in Bekasi, West Java, Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto confirmed that his ministry was expanding scrutiny to prevent similar operations from flourishing.
“I have instructed the Director General to increase surveillance at all locations that could potentially be used to host similar activities,” he said.
The detainees, comprising individuals from Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia, have been transferred to immigration authorities. Investigations focus on possible immigration violations, including abuse of stay permits and visa regulations.
According to a local report, the syndicate operated with a structured hierarchy in a commercial building in West Jakarta. Police officers arrested the suspects while actively conducting illegal online gambling activities.
The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections intends to coordinate with the Indonesian National Police to monitor further instances.
A ban on gambling
All gambling both land-based and online, by foreigners and locals is illegal in Indonesia. The Control of Gambling Law from 1974 called gambling “contrary to religion, decency and the morals of Pancasila, and dangerous to the life of the community, nation and state”.
Indonesia began to introduce legislation to stop online bets in 2024. Since then, Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority has blocked 33,252 bank accounts used to fund online gambling, as of last month.
In terms of further penalties, gambling punters can find themselves with prison terms of up to five years and fines of up to RP1 billion (US$66,000).
Migrations and World Cup worries
This crackdown reflects a broader trend across Southeast Asia, where online gambling and scam networks repeatedly shift bases in response to enforcement pressures in specific countries.
Indonesian police believe this to be particularly true following a large-scale crackdown in Cambodia, where the operators involved could have set up in the country.
In particular, National Police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko emphasised concerns on the timing of this in the wake of the World Cup 2026.
“We must jointly anticipate football gambling,” Trunoyudo acknowledged. “But we must not allow this momentum to be exploited for illegal activities that could cause losses. Support your favorite team with positive enthusiasm. Don’t let excessive fanaticism disrupt public security and order.”
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/indonesia-tightens-scrutiny-on-foreign-visitors-following-gambling-raid/
