Jakarta and the surrounding metropolitan area have become the de facto center of Indonesia’s illegal gambling industry, say government chiefs.
The claims come from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the country’s top anti-money laundering agency, the Indonesian media outlet Detik reported.
The agency said Jabodetabek (Jakarta and the surrounding Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi regencies) has become a “national hub” of online casino-related activity.
The PPATK operates an automated online casino transactions platform that combs data from major commercial banks.
The platform automatically flags suspected online casino deposits and withdrawals. In recent months, the PPATK has used this system to freeze the bank accounts of suspected gamblers or suspend their benefit payments.
“Our data from 2025 shows a concentration of online gambling activities in several regions,” said a PPATK official. “Greater Jakarta is one of the largest clusters in the country.”
Jakarta Gambling Rates on the Rise
The agency said that as of last year, Bogor Regency was home to over 103,000 gamblers who had made deposits totaling IDR 414.4 billion ($23.1 million).
The East and West Jakarta regions are home to over 171,000 gamblers. Together, they have placed deposits of IDR 600.6 billion, or $57.25 million, on illegal betting platforms.
“Of the 10 regions with the most gamblers, four are in the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, four are in West Java, and two are in Banten. Greater Jakarta […] is a national center for online gambling activity,” the PPATK said.
The agency’s data indicated that Cengkareng District, a West Jakarta district with a population of under 600,000, is home to the most gamblers (almost 22,000).
That figure is 47% higher than the second-placed district on the list.
“Online gambling is no longer a distant or abstract phenomenon,” wrote the PPATK. “What is at stake is not only money, but also the productive future of the country.”
Demographic data show that most gamblers are male and aged 20 to 30.
We Need More Money to Fight Illegal Betting – AML Agency
The agency says its campaign against illegal gambling is bearing fruit. But it says it needs more money to crack down on the rise of illicit betting services.
Police have warned of an explosion of betting activity since the start of the World Cup.
All forms of gambling are illegal in Indonesia. In some regions, courts can sentence convicted gamblers to corporal punishment.
Earlier this month, the PPATK said it needs a $43 million budget to fund its crackdowns, Indonesian media outlet Tempo reported.
Lawmakers said they want the PPATK to prove its previous crackdowns have been effective before they agree to release more funds.
