Indonesia Takes Down Half a Million Gambling Accounts

TheIndonesia.co - Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny G. Plate, said that the government of Indonesia had terminated access or taken down half a million accounts and online gambling sites. Plate denied allegations that the government allowed online gambling sites to continue operating while sites such as Paypal and Yahoo were cut off because they had not registered.

"People also ask about gambling. Since 2018, half a million gambling accounts have been taken down, more than half (million). We also carry out cyber patrols every day," said Johnny Plate at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

The statement refuted netizens' comments that the Ministry of Communication and Informatics allowed online gambling applications to operate, but blocked several applications, including Paypal. Johnny emphasized that his party did not give space to online gambling because it violated the law.

However, he explained that some applications, including games that register Electronic System Operators (PSE), will go through further review. "We have further clarification on the PSE list. If it is found to be related to online gambling, there is no room in Indonesia, (we have) to take it down. Hopefully, it will be completed in one or two days. We don't want to take it down without further clarification," he said.

Previously, Plate said that the organizers of PSE registration were required to guarantee the implementation of the protection of customers' personal data, especially the Indonesian people. "PSE registration requires PSE to protect personal data of customers or the public, especially personal data of the Indonesian people," he said after registering the NasDem Party as a candidate for the 2024 General Election at the KPU RI Office, Jakarta, Monday. Plate is also Secretary-General of NasDem Party.

He revealed some PSE requirements, including requiring the operator to protect the personal data of its customers, in this case, the Indonesian people; requiring the organizer to follow the laws and regulations in Indonesia, and must carry out a proper test of the system used. He emphasized that the PSE registration does not regulate personal data other than from the side of law enforcement. The use of personal data for purposes other than law enforcement is not permitted under PSE rules.