The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has instructed banks to block 17,026 accounts suspected of being involved in online gambling (judol) activities, a move part of a joint effort between OJK, financial institutions, and government agencies to curb illegal online gambling in the country.

OJK’s Chief Executive of Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae, emphasized that shutting down these accounts is a critical step in combating online gambling. The data used for this enforcement came from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Application (Komdigi), formerly known as the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo).

While OJK did not specify the timeframe of the blocked accounts, it confirmed that the action aligns with Law No. 4/2023, which mandates OJK to coordinate efforts against illegal financial activity. This includes collaboration with Komdigi and 16 other government institutions.

OJK has also instructed banks to verify customer identity data, especially matching accounts with National Identity Numbers (NIK), and to apply enhanced due diligence (EDD) to prevent misuse of the financial system.

“Banks are expected to monitor even regular accounts to prevent misuse for financial crimes and enhance oversight on the illegal sale and purchase of bank accounts,” OJK said during a virtual press conference on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 following monthly Board of Commissioners Meeting.

Additionally, banks are required to report suspicious activities to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) through Suspicious Financial Transaction Reports (LTKM). These reports help prevent bank accounts from being exploited for online scams or gambling.

To strengthen digital security, OJK is also urging banks to conduct fund flow analysis and cyber patrols to track problematic accounts circulating online. Furthermore, Dian announced that OJK will establish a cyber incident response task force to enable faster coordination and response to digital threats.