Indonesia freezes over 28,000 bank accounts linked to online gambling in sweeping crackdown

Indonesia’s financial intelligence agency has temporarily frozen more than 28,000 bank accounts suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling and other criminal activities. The move, spearheaded by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), forms part of a nationwide effort to disrupt financial networks enabling cybercrime, drug trafficking, and fraud.

According to PPATK Chief Ivan Yustiavandana, many of the suspended accounts were either bought and sold illegally or had remained dormant, untouched for long periods, and later co-opted for unlawful transactions. 

“In accordance with our authority under Law No. 8 of 2010, PPATK has carried out temporary suspensions of customer transactions involving accounts classified as dormant, based on banking data,” Yustiavandana stated in a written release on Sunday. He emphasized that the agency’s actions aim to “protect the public interest and uphold the integrity of Indonesia’s financial system.”

While gambling operations were at the center of the crackdown, PPATK noted that the frozen accounts were also allegedly used to launder proceeds from broader criminal enterprises. The use of inactive bank accounts has emerged as a favored tactic among illicit operators seeking to conceal financial trails and avoid regulatory scrutiny.

The mass suspension has not gone unnoticed by the public. Social media platforms have seen a flurry of responses from users claiming their accounts were blocked without warning. Among the most high-profile names reportedly impacted is Andrew Darwis, founder of popular Indonesian forum Kaskus, whose account was temporarily disabled amid the sweep.

Despite the disruptions, Yustiavandana reassured account holders that their funds remain intact. Customers who find their accounts suspended are advised to contact their banks to complete the necessary reactivation procedures. “They may reactivate their accounts by contacting their respective banks and following the required procedures,” Ivan clarified.

In an effort to curb further misuse, PPATK has urged Indonesians to proactively close long-unused accounts and to refrain from disclosing sensitive personal information to unknown parties. The agency also encourages individuals to report any suspicious transactions from unfamiliar sources to their banks or to law enforcement.