Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology Cracks Down on Online Gambling with ISP Cooperation

Jakarta, INTI – The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) is intensifying efforts to combat online gambling by involving Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the campaign.

In a virtual press conference held from South Jakarta on Friday, May 24, 2024, Minister of Communication and Information Technology Budi Arie Setiadi called for ISPs to actively assist in curbing the spread of online gambling content.

“I urge all ISP operators to cooperate in the fight against online gambling. If you fail to comply, I will not hesitate to revoke your license. Let me repeat, I will revoke your license!” Minister Budi Arie stated emphatically.

Automatic Synchronization with DNS Trust Positif Kominfo

Minister Budi Arie stressed the need for ISPs to automatically synchronize with the updated list of negative content, including online gambling, through the “domain name system” (DNS) Trust Positif Kominfo.

“Currently, only 35% of the total 1,011 ISPs have implemented automatic synchronization. Non-compliant ISPs will be publicly named,” he warned.

The Minister explained that the handling of online gambling content via ISPs involves the Trust Positif Database System. This system includes a blacklist of domains and URLs, excluding IP addresses, that must be blocked by all ISPs.

Enforcement and Sanctions

Based on field tests conducted from 2023 to 2024, it was found that out of 136 samples, 26 still had access to negative content, including online gambling and pornography.

“In response to these findings, Kominfo has issued the first administrative warning to 26 ISPs and the second warning to 3 ISPs,” Minister Budi Arie clarified.

He also issued a stern warning and mentioned the policy of license revocation for ISPs that do not support the eradication of online gambling. This action is in accordance with Law No. 36 of 1999 on Telecommunications and its amendments.

“We are also enforcing actions based on Ministerial Regulation No. 13 of 2019 concerning the Provision of Telecommunication Services and its amendments,” he added.

The move to engage ISPs in combating online gambling is part of a broader strategy by the Indonesian government to maintain a safe and secure internet environment. By leveraging the capabilities and responsibilities of ISPs, Kominfo aims to significantly reduce the availability and accessibility of online gambling platforms.