Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (INTRAC), known locally as PPATK, has temporarily frozen more than 28,000 dormant bank accounts in 2024 due to their suspected links to illegal online gambling, fraud, and narcotics trafficking.
“We conduct ‘follow the money’ investigations on all financial instruments in Indonesia and collaborate with all similar institutions worldwide,” said INTRAC Head Ivan Yustiavandana in Jakarta, as quoted by tvonenews.com.
This approach involves global coordination with Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to track criminal fund flows across borders.
Dormant Bank Accounts Exploited for Illicit Transactions
According to Ivan, criminals are actively buying or seizing control of dormant accounts—bank accounts left inactive for extended periods—to conceal the origins of illegal money. These accounts are often repurposed to accept online gambling deposits or temporarily store proceeds from scams and drug deals.
“These accounts are used for online gambling deposits. In 2024, more than 28,000 bank accounts were discovered to be involved in these transactions through account trading.” Ivan said on Sunday, May 18, as quoted by cnbcindonesia.com.
Dormant accounts are particularly vulnerable because they no longer show active transactions like withdrawals, deposits, or transfers.
“The use of dormant accounts by unauthorized parties has become a high-risk tactic in illegal financial operations,” Ivan emphasized.
The temporary account freezes are carried out in line with Indonesia’s Law No. 8/2010 on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering.
Online Gambling Funds Near $3 Billion in Q1 2025
During the Promensisko (Risk-Based Mentoring Program) event held at INTRAC’s headquarters on May 8, Ivan revealed that online gambling transactions in Q1 2025 reached approximately USD 3.04 billion.
This surge in illicit financial activity prompted immediate action to freeze suspicious accounts and stop illegal financial flows.
“The account freeze helps protect rightful owners and prevents misuse by irresponsible individuals,” Ivan said, as quoted by kontan.co.id.
What If Your Old Account Was Frozen?
If your dormant bank account has been unexpectedly frozen, you may be affected by this crackdown. INTRAC assures that affected customers retain full rights to their funds and can reactivate their accounts by following specific procedures at their respective banks or contacting INTRAC directly.
How to Reactivate Dormant Bank Accounts
Major Indonesian banks have specific steps for reactivating dormant accounts:
- BRI: Accounts become dormant after 180 days of inactivity. To reactivate, visit a BRI branch with your ID and account information.
- BNI: Dormant accounts can be reactivated by visiting a BNI branch with an ID and making a minimum deposit of USD 6.33. You can also check your account status by calling BNI Call Center at 1500046.
- Bank Mandiri: Customers can use the Livin’ by Mandiri mobile app. Select the inactive account, verify your identity via a selfie, and make one transaction before 10:59 PM local time. If the app fails, visit a branch for activation.
- Maybank: Maybank users can reactivate dormant accounts via the M2U ID App or by visiting a local branch. If necessary, contact Maybank Customer Service at 1500611 or +622178869811 (from abroad).
How to Prevent Your Account from Being Abused
To avoid having your bank account misused for illegal activities:
- Close inactive accounts that are no longer in use.
- Never share personal banking information with strangers or unauthorized parties.
- Report any suspicious fund transfers or account activities to your bank or law enforcement immediately.
INTRAC’s actions are part of the National Movement for the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, aimed at strengthening the integrity of Indonesia’s financial system.
“This initiative protects the public and helps ensure transparency and trust in our financial sector,” Ivan concluded.
Source: tvonenews.com, kontan.co.id, cnbcindonesia.com
Special Photo Credit: ppatk.go.id
