Over 600,000 Indonesian social aid recipients flagged for suspected online gambling

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has flagged 603,999 households currently or previously receiving government assistance as suspected of participating in online gambling, following an extensive data-matching effort with the country’s financial intelligence agency.

The findings were the result of a cross-check conducted by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which initially identified 656,543 families potentially involved in gambling activities. After eliminating duplicate records, the final number stood just above 600,000, according to Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf.

“The data matching results between social aid beneficiary families and those suspected of online gambling initially totaled 656,543 families. After deduplication, the number stands at 603,999 families,” the Minister said in a statement issued on Sunday, July 20.

The analysis covered over 32 million records from two of the country’s primary welfare programs, the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Basic Food Assistance (Sembako), which are aimed at supporting low-income households.

The Ministry has since marked these households in the National Social Economic Data (DTSEN) system for closer examination. According to the latest data, 228,048 of the flagged households were no longer receiving aid as of the second quarter of 2025. The remaining 375,951 active beneficiaries will undergo evaluation in the third quarter.

Minister Yusuf stated that the review process is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that public assistance is directed toward families who meet the eligibility criteria and are not diverting funds toward prohibited activities. He did not confirm whether criminal proceedings would be initiated but reiterated the Ministry’s focus on improving transparency and oversight.

The identification of suspected gambling among aid recipients comes amid national discussions around digital gambling and its socioeconomic impact. While Indonesia maintains strict regulations on gambling, the rise of online platforms has made enforcement increasingly challenging.

The Ministry said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing evaluation, and any changes to welfare eligibility will be implemented in accordance with existing regulations.