Bank Indonesia to Freeze Bank Accounts Linked to Online Gambling
JAKARTA, Nov 21 (Bernama-ANTARA) — Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia (BI), Juda Agung, has assured that the central bank will freeze bank accounts affiliated with online gambling in cooperation with payment service providers, both banks and non-banks.
Fraud Detection Systems Crucial
"Payment service providers, both banks and non-banks, must have fraud detection systems (in place) to identify accounts used for online gambling transactions and other fraud," he said at a press conference at the office of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs here on Thursday.
Reporting and Freezing of Accounts
After a payment service provider detects an account suspected of being involved in online gambling, the account must be reported to BI immediately, reported ANTARA news agency. The account will be traced by BI and frozen. That way, the account holder will no longer be able to withdraw money or use the account for transactions.
Progress in Combating Online Gambling
Agung explained that so far, BI has frozen 7,500 accounts linked to online gambling. The central bank is also continuing to carry out the dissemination of information regarding the risks of online gambling to the community.
"We continue to educate them through television and social media," he affirmed. He assured that the BI will continue to take action against bank accounts affiliated with online gambling until online gambling activities are eliminated in the country.
Cooperation with Banks
On the same occasion, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said that this month, the online gambling eradication desk has submitted 651 requests for blocking bank accounts connected to online gambling activities. She added that solid cooperation with banks is expected to narrow the scope of online gambling activities.
Progress in Taking Down Online Gambling Sites
Hafid further said that as many as 104,819 sites related to online gambling have been taken down since the formation of the online gambling eradication desk on November 4, 2024. "If we count from October 20, or the start of the new government, the number has reached around 380,000," she added.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bank Indonesia is committed to combating online gambling by freezing bank accounts linked to online gambling activities and educating the public about the risks of online gambling. The central bank is working closely with payment service providers and banks to identify and report accounts suspected of being involved in online gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of freezing bank accounts linked to online gambling?
A: The purpose is to prevent the account holder from withdrawing money or using the account for transactions.
Q: How many accounts have been frozen by Bank Indonesia so far?
A: As of now, 7,500 accounts linked to online gambling have been frozen.
Q: What is the goal of the online gambling eradication desk?
A: The goal is to eliminate online gambling activities in the country.
Q: How many online gambling sites have been taken down since the formation of the online gambling eradication desk?
A: As of now, 104,819 sites related to online gambling have been taken down.