The Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has announced firm action against digital wallets, or e-wallets, suspected of being involved in online gambling activities. PPATK Chief Ivan Yustiavindana confirmed that blocking will target e-wallet accounts used to receive or distribute proceeds from illegal activities.
Data from the first half of 2025 shows online gambling deposits through e-wallets reached USD 103.2 million across 12.6 million transactions, highlighting the massive role of e-wallets in circulating illicit funds.
“If illegal funds enter, we will block them to protect the parties harmed. There will be no blocking of dormant e-wallets, so the public should not worry,” Ivan told on Monday, August 11, 2025, as reported by MetroTV News.
The statement comes after PPATK previously blocked 122 million dormant bank accounts without prior notice, sparking public backlash. Many fear a similar sweeping action could hit ordinary users.
Nunun, a resident, said: “If the target is online gambling, then focus only on that. Don’t let ordinary people get blocked, especially since e-wallets are simple and easy to use.”
Another resident, Ferni, added: “Don’t act indiscriminately when blocking. Hopefully, this can be reviewed and socialized first so people don’t misunderstand the policy.”
Transactions Drop 70% After Previous Block
PPATK earlier detected extensive online gambling transactions via e-wallets and signaled potential blocking measures against those facilitating criminal activities. Ivan clarified that such blocking will be case-specific and different from previous actions targeting inactive accounts.
The previous dormant account freeze, affecting more than 105 banks, caused significant disruption but also reduced online gambling transactions by 70%, from USD 322.6 million to USD 64.5 million. All blocked dormant accounts have since been reopened.
Targeting Active Gambling-Linked E-Wallets
Ivan reiterated that only actively used e-wallets linked to illegal transactions will be blocked, not inactive ones. He emphasized close coordination with e-wallet providers, banks, and law enforcement to combat the online gambling network.
However, this plan has drawn criticism from consumer rights groups. The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has demanded PPATK cancel the move, arguing it risks harming consumers and infringing on their rights.
YLKI Executive Secretary Rio Priambodo warned that the approach should focus on upstream enforcement against gambling operators, rather than downstream account blocking.
“PPATK must be transparent! Explain the reasons for blocking, the number of accounts affected, and the total funds frozen,” Rio emphasized, as quoted by BeritaKota, stressing that transparency is essential to avoid speculation and build public trust.
The debate reflects a larger tension between crime prevention and protecting consumers. Supporters view PPATK’s plan as crucial to curb illegal gambling, which has wide-reaching social and economic impacts. Critics worry about wrongful blocking, lack of due process, and potential harm to legitimate e-wallet users.
As PPATK prepares the enforcement mechanism, the public awaits clarity on the criteria and procedures for blocking accounts. Effective socialization and transparent communication will be key to ensuring the policy achieves its goal without unintended consequences.
Source: MetroTV News, iNews, Media Indonesia, Berita Kota
Special Photo Credit: AntataPhoto/Yulius Satria Wijaya
