OJK Cracks Down on Online Gambling-Related Account Sales, Cites Rising Risks
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued a stern warning regarding the increasing trend of bank account sales on social media platforms, directly linking the practice to online gambling (judol) activities. The OJK is taking a firm stance, emphasizing the illegal nature of these transactions and the significant risks they pose, including fraud and money laundering.
Account Sales Linked to Illicit Activities
Dian Ediana Rae, Head of Banking Supervision at OJK, stated that the sale and purchase of bank accounts are in direct violation of Indonesian laws and regulations, specifically those concerning Anti-Money Laundering, Prevention of Terrorism Financing, and Prevention of Funding for the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (APU, PPT, and PPPSPM).1
Regulatory Framework and Enforcement
The OJK is reinforcing its regulatory framework through POJK Number 8 of 2023, which mandates financial service providers (PJK) to rigorously implement “Know Your Customer” (KYC) principles. This includes verifying the beneficial owner of accounts and conducting thorough Customer Due Diligence (CDD), transaction monitoring, and customer profiling.1
Based on risk assessments, the OJK is urging banks to take decisive action against individuals involved in the sale of their accounts, including restricting access to banking facilities.1
Account Blocking Efforts Intensify
The OJK has been actively working with banks to block accounts suspected of being used for online gambling. In 2025 alone, the OJK requested banks to block 31,382 accounts, an increase from the 30,392 accounts blocked previously, based on data from the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi).2 Since September 2023, over 30,000 accounts have been blocked.1
Ongoing Coordination and Public Awareness
The OJK is collaborating with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), Komdigi, law enforcement agencies, and PJKs through regular information exchange to address account misuse and maintain the integrity of the financial system.1
The OJK is also increasing public education efforts to raise awareness about the legal consequences of buying and selling accounts, emphasizing that account holders remain legally responsible for all transactions, even those conducted fraudulently.1
Strengthening Detection and Prevention
Beyond account blocking, the OJK is encouraging banks to enhance their ability to detect online gambling transactions early through improved supervision systems and the implementation of cyber patrols to monitor customer accounts and strengthen alert parameters.1 Banks are also urged to utilize information technology to identify accounts used for transactions on online gambling sites.1
Keep reading