Tag:

evolving

Piranha Smart Center and SET Academy Launch Certified CoreTaxify Professional Program to Address Indonesia’s Evolving Tax Landscape

by admin July 21, 2026

written by admin

Jakarta is witnessing a significant shift in its tax administration paradigm with the introduction of the CoreTax system, a comprehensive digitalization initiative by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) aimed at modernizing tax services and enhancing compliance across Indonesia. This transformative platform, designed to streamline tax processes from calculation and payment to reporting, presents both immense opportunities and substantial challenges for tax practitioners. Recognizing a growing competency gap among professionals navigating this new digital frontier, the Piranha Smart Center (PSC) in collaboration with SET Academy has unveiled the Certified CoreTaxify Professional (CCP) training and certification program. This intensive online initiative, scheduled for July 30 to August 2, 2026, aims to equip a broad spectrum of professionals with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for seamless operation within the CoreTax environment, thereby ensuring accurate tax reporting and efficient financial team operations.

The Dawn of the CoreTax System: A Paradigm Shift in Indonesian Taxation

The Indonesian government, through the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) under the Ministry of Finance, has embarked on an ambitious journey to modernize its tax administration system. At the heart of this endeavor is the CoreTax system, an integrated, end-to-end digital platform designed to replace legacy systems and revolutionize how taxpayers interact with the DGT. The CoreTax initiative, officially known as the Pembaruan Sistem Inti Administrasi Perpajakan (PSIAP) or Tax Administration Core System Renewal, represents a monumental leap towards a more efficient, transparent, and compliant tax ecosystem. Its primary objectives include enhancing taxpayer services, improving data accuracy and integration, optimizing tax revenue collection, and fostering a fair and equitable tax system.

The conceptualization and development of the CoreTax system have been a multi-year undertaking, driven by the need to adapt to global digital trends and address existing inefficiencies in the manual and semi-manual processes that have historically characterized Indonesia’s tax administration. While specific implementation dates have seen adjustments, the DGT has consistently emphasized its commitment to a phased rollout, with pilot projects preceding full national deployment. This strategic approach allows for rigorous testing, feedback integration, and gradual acclimatization for both DGT personnel and taxpayers. The system is expected to integrate various tax services, including registration, filing, payment, audit, and objection processes, into a single, cohesive digital architecture. This promises a reduction in administrative burdens, minimizes opportunities for human error and potential malfeasance, and provides the DGT with robust data analytics capabilities for more effective policy-making and enforcement.

However, such a profound technological overhaul inevitably introduces a significant learning curve. For the millions of individual and corporate taxpayers in Indonesia, as well as the thousands of tax professionals, consultants, and accounting staff who manage their tax obligations, understanding and proficiently operating the CoreTax system is not merely an option but a critical necessity. The transition demands not just theoretical knowledge of tax regulations but also practical, hands-on expertise in navigating the new digital interfaces and processes. Failure to adapt can lead to inaccurate reporting, delayed submissions, potential penalties, and a substantial drain on organizational resources, highlighting the urgent need for specialized training programs.

Bridging the Competency Gap: The Imperative for Specialized Training

The immediate challenge posed by the CoreTax system lies in the competency gap it creates among existing tax practitioners. Many professionals, accustomed to older systems and manual procedures, find themselves at a disadvantage as the DGT transitions to a fully digital, integrated platform. This gap is not confined to a specific demographic but spans across seasoned professionals who need to unlearn old habits, new entrants to the field who require foundational training in the new system, and even educators who must update their curricula to reflect current industry demands.

According to data from the DGT, Indonesia has a vast and growing taxpayer base, with millions of individuals and corporations contributing to the national revenue. In 2023, the DGT collected over IDR 1,869.2 trillion (approximately USD 120 billion) in taxes, underscoring the critical role of an efficient tax administration system. The successful operation of CoreTax is paramount to sustaining and increasing this vital revenue stream. However, the system’s complexity, encompassing intricate modules for various tax types—such as Income Tax (PPh), Value Added Tax (PPN), and Luxury Goods Sales Tax (PPnBM)—requires a deep understanding that goes beyond surface-level familiarity.

Without adequate training, the potential for errors in tax calculations, data entry, and report generation significantly increases. These errors can lead to compliance issues, ranging from minor discrepancies to severe penalties for underpayment or late filing. Furthermore, inefficient use of the CoreTax system can negate its intended benefits of speed and accuracy, leading to prolonged processing times and increased operational costs for businesses. This scenario underscores the critical importance of targeted, practical training programs that address the specific functionalities and requirements of the CoreTax environment. The market demand for professionals who are "CoreTax-ready" is rapidly escalating, making specialized certification a significant differentiator in a competitive landscape.

Introducing the Certified CoreTaxify Professional (CCP) Program

In direct response to this urgent need, the Piranha Smart Center (PSC) and SET Academy have meticulously developed the Certified CoreTaxify Professional (CCP) training and certification program. This initiative is not merely a theoretical overview of tax laws but a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum designed to instill practical proficiency in operating within the CoreTax framework. The program’s core objective is to empower participants to confidently and accurately manage all aspects of tax administration under the new system, from intricate calculations to final electronic submissions.

The CCP curriculum is exceptionally broad and deep, covering the full spectrum of Indonesian taxation relevant to both individuals and corporations. Key modules include:

PPh 21 (Income Tax on Employment Income): Detailed training on calculation, withholding, and reporting for salaries, wages, honoraria, and other income related to employment. This section addresses the complexities of various employee statuses and income components.
PPh Unifikasi (Unified Income Tax): An exploration of the unified PPh reporting system, particularly relevant for certain types of income and transactions, simplifying what was previously a fragmented reporting process.
PPN and PPnBM (Value Added Tax and Luxury Goods Sales Tax): Comprehensive instruction on the principles of PPN and PPnBM, including input/output tax mechanisms, calculation methods, and the specific reporting requirements within the CoreTax system for various industries and transactions.
PPh Orang Pribadi (Individual Income Tax): Guidance on the intricacies of individual tax obligations, including income from employment, business, and investments, as well as personal deductions and credits, all within the digital reporting framework.
PPh Badan (Corporate Income Tax): In-depth coverage of corporate tax regulations, profit and loss calculations, allowable deductions, tax incentives, and the structured reporting process for companies of all sizes.

What truly sets the CCP program apart is its innovative pedagogical approach. The training eschews purely theoretical lectures in favor of a dynamic, interactive model that combines expert insights with practical application. Participants benefit from:

Presentations from Practicing Tax Professionals: Real-world practitioners share their experiences, offer practical tips, and provide context to the regulatory framework, bridging the gap between theory and application.
Direct CoreTaxify Application Demonstrations: Crucially, the program includes live demonstrations of the CoreTaxify application, a simulation environment that mirrors the actual CoreTax system. This allows participants to see the system in action, understand its interface, and familiarize themselves with its functionalities without the pressure of live data.
Practice Based on Real-World Case Studies: The learning experience culminates in hands-on exercises built around realistic scenarios. Participants are challenged to apply their knowledge and system skills to solve practical tax problems, simulating the actual tasks they will encounter in their professional roles. This format ensures that participants not only grasp the regulatory nuances but also become adept at operating the CoreTax system effectively and efficiently in their day-to-day responsibilities.

A Collaborative Endeavor: Piranha Smart Center and SET Academy

The success of a program of this magnitude hinges on the expertise and credibility of its providers. The partnership between Piranha Smart Center (PSC) and SET Academy brings together complementary strengths to deliver a robust and highly relevant training experience.

Piranha Smart Center is known for its focus on practical, industry-driven training solutions, often leveraging technology to deliver effective learning outcomes. Their involvement ensures that the CoreTaxify simulation platform is robust, realistic, and user-friendly, providing an authentic learning environment. PSC’s expertise in developing and deploying practical digital tools for professional development is invaluable in making the complex CoreTax system accessible and understandable.

SET Academy, on the other hand, is recognized for its strong foundation in tax education and professional certification in Indonesia. Their deep understanding of Indonesian tax regulations, coupled with their experience in delivering high-quality Brevet programs (the traditional pathway for tax professionals in Indonesia), provides the academic rigor and professional accreditation necessary for the CCP program. The collaboration leverages SET Academy’s pedagogical excellence and extensive network within the tax community, ensuring that the curriculum is up-to-date, comprehensive, and aligned with national competency standards.

Representatives from both organizations emphasized their shared commitment to empowering Indonesia’s tax professionals. A spokesperson from Piranha Smart Center stated, "Our collaboration with SET Academy is a strategic alignment to address a critical national need. The CoreTax system is a game-changer, and we believe that practical, hands-on training is the only way to ensure a smooth transition for businesses and practitioners. The CoreTaxify simulation is our answer to providing a safe, effective learning environment." Similarly, a senior official from SET Academy added, "The CCP program is a testament to our dedication to professional development in taxation. We are integrating cutting-edge technology with our proven educational methodologies to produce a new generation of tax experts who are not just knowledgeable about regulations but also proficient in the digital tools that define modern tax practice." This synergy ensures that participants receive training that is both theoretically sound and highly practical.

Who Stands to Benefit? Targeting a Broad Spectrum of Professionals

The CCP program is strategically designed to cater to a diverse audience, recognizing that the impact of the CoreTax system transcends specific roles and sectors. The recommended target participants include:

Accounting and Tax Staff: The frontline professionals responsible for daily financial record-keeping, transaction processing, and initial tax calculations. This training will significantly enhance their efficiency and accuracy, minimizing errors and ensuring timely compliance.
Tax Consultants: Professionals advising individuals and businesses on tax matters. Proficiency in CoreTax is indispensable for providing accurate, up-to-date advice and assisting clients with their reporting obligations under the new system.
Practicing Tax Professionals: Experienced individuals in various industries who need to update their skills and adapt to the new digital environment. This program serves as a crucial re-tooling opportunity to remain relevant and effective.
Accounting and Taxation Students: Future professionals entering the workforce will find this certification invaluable. It provides them with a competitive edge, ensuring they are job-ready with skills directly applicable to current industry demands.
Lecturers and Academics: Educators in accounting and taxation programs need to stay abreast of the latest developments to effectively prepare their students. The CCP program offers a pathway to update their own competencies and integrate CoreTax-related content into their teaching.

This broad appeal underscores the universality of the CoreTax system’s impact and the widespread need for specialized training. For companies, investing in CCP certification for their financial teams translates directly into reduced compliance risks, improved operational efficiency, and potentially significant cost savings by avoiding penalties and streamlining tax processes.

Certification and Career Advancement: More Than Just a Course

Completing the CCP program offers participants a suite of tangible benefits that extend far beyond mere knowledge acquisition. The program is meticulously structured to provide significant professional advantages:

Certified CoreTaxify Professional (CCP) Successful completion of the program and passing the certification exam awards participants the prestigious CCP designation. This title serves as a recognized mark of expertise and proficiency in navigating the CoreTax system, significantly enhancing a professional’s credibility and marketability in the Indonesian tax and accounting sectors.
Access to CoreTaxify Premium Simulation Account: Participants gain exclusive access to a premium simulation account of CoreTaxify. This invaluable resource allows for continued practice and reinforcement of skills even after the training concludes, ensuring long-term retention and adaptability to future system updates. The premium access provides a sandbox environment for experimentation without real-world consequences.
E-Modul: Comprehensive digital learning modules are provided, serving as a permanent reference guide. These e-moduls encapsulate all the course material, regulatory updates, and practical guides, allowing participants to revisit concepts and refresh their knowledge as needed.
Fast Track to Brevet A and B through RPL: Perhaps one of the most significant benefits is the accelerated pathway to obtaining Brevet A and B certifications through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system, in collaboration with SET Academy’s official partners. Brevet A and B are foundational professional tax certifications in Indonesia, often prerequisites for advanced tax consulting roles. By offering a fast track via RPL, the CCP program not only provides immediate CoreTax proficiency but also strategically positions participants for broader career progression within the Indonesian tax landscape, acknowledging their acquired practical skills and knowledge. This integrated approach ensures that the CCP certification is not an isolated credential but a stepping stone in a comprehensive professional development journey.

These benefits collectively equip participants with a powerful arsenal for career advancement, ensuring they are not only compliant with current tax regulations but also positioned as leaders in the evolving digital tax environment.

Program Logistics: Dates, Format, and Accessibility

The CCP training program is structured for maximum accessibility and effectiveness. It will be conducted online via Zoom Meeting, making it available to participants across Indonesia and beyond, eliminating geographical barriers.

Dates: The training is scheduled to run from Thursday, July 30, to Sunday, August 2, 2026. This four-day intensive format ensures comprehensive coverage of the extensive curriculum while minimizing disruption to participants’ professional or academic schedules.
Format: The online delivery method leverages the interactive features of Zoom, allowing for live presentations, Q&A sessions, and collaborative exercises, mirroring the engagement of an in-person workshop.
Accessibility: By being fully online, the program reaches a wider audience, including professionals in remote areas, students with limited mobility, and lecturers seeking to update their skills without extensive travel. The use of a widely accessible platform like Zoom ensures ease of participation for individuals with varying levels of technical proficiency.

The choice of an online format also reflects the digital nature of the CoreTax system itself, providing a consistent learning environment that prepares participants for remote digital operations.

Industry Reactions and Expert Perspectives

The announcement of the CCP program has been met with positive anticipation from various stakeholders within Indonesia’s financial and tax sectors. While no direct quotes are available from the DGT regarding this specific program, it is generally understood that the DGT encourages and supports initiatives from private institutions that contribute to tax literacy and compliance in line with their modernization goals. Sources close to the DGT’s modernization project have consistently highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in facilitating the smooth transition to CoreTax, emphasizing that widespread practitioner proficiency is key to the system’s overall success.

Industry experts also underscore the timely nature of the CCP program. Dr. (H.C.) Darussalam, SE, Ak, CA, M.Si, LL.M, FCPA (Aust.), a prominent tax expert and managing partner at Danny Darussalam Tax Center (DDTC), has often articulated the challenges and opportunities presented by tax digitalization. While not directly commenting on CCP, his public statements consistently advocate for continuous learning and adaptation among tax professionals to keep pace with regulatory and technological advancements. He and other thought leaders in the Indonesian tax community frequently emphasize that digital transformation in taxation is not just about technology, but also about human capital development.

Prospective participants have also expressed enthusiasm. A tax staff member from a multinational corporation in Jakarta, who wished to remain anonymous, commented, "We’ve been hearing about CoreTax for a while, and the need for practical training is becoming urgent. This program sounds like exactly what we need to avoid compliance issues and stay competitive." This sentiment reflects a broader understanding within the professional community that proactive skill development is essential for navigating the changing landscape.

Broader Implications for Indonesia’s Tax Landscape

The successful implementation and widespread adoption of the CoreTax system, supported by programs like CCP, carry profound implications for Indonesia’s economic future.

Enhanced Tax Compliance: A more proficient tax professional base, equipped with CoreTax skills, will directly contribute to higher rates of accurate and timely tax compliance across the board. This reduces the administrative burden on the DGT and allows them to focus resources on more complex cases and enforcement.
Improved Revenue Collection: By streamlining processes, reducing errors, and increasing compliance, the CoreTax system, supported by well-trained practitioners, is expected to optimize tax revenue collection. This revenue is crucial for funding critical public services, infrastructure development, and social programs, thereby contributing directly to national development goals.
Greater Transparency and Accountability: The integrated digital nature of CoreTax promotes greater transparency in tax transactions and reduces opportunities for discretion or manipulation. This fosters a more accountable tax environment, building trust between taxpayers and the government.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity: For businesses, a seamless transition to CoreTax means less time spent on manual tax administration, freeing up resources for core business activities. This improved efficiency contributes to overall economic productivity.
Professionalization of the Tax Sector: Programs like CCP elevate the standard of professionalism within the tax and accounting sectors. They ensure that Indonesian tax practitioners are equipped with modern skills, aligning them with international best practices in digital tax administration.

In conclusion, the Certified CoreTaxify Professional (CCP) program by Piranha Smart Center and SET Academy represents a crucial intervention at a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s tax history. As the nation embraces a fully digital tax administration system, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate this new environment with confidence and accuracy is paramount. By offering comprehensive, practical, and certified training, the CCP program is not just addressing an immediate competency gap but is actively shaping the future of tax practice in Indonesia, contributing significantly to national compliance, efficiency, and economic development.

Prospective participants are strongly encouraged to secure their slots for this transformative training at detikevent before the available quota is filled, ensuring they are at the forefront of Indonesia’s evolving digital tax landscape.

July 21, 2026 0 comment

Technology

Meutya Hafid’s Uphill Battle Against Indonesia’s Trillion-Rupiah Online Gambling Scourge: A Deep Dive into the Evolving Fight

by admin July 21, 2026

written by admin

Upon her inauguration as the Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) in October 2024, Meutya Hafid unequivocally articulated a formidable agenda for her tenure, with the audacious commitment to eradicate online gambling standing as a paramount priority. This bold pledge was not an isolated declaration but formed an integral part of a broader digital governance framework, encompassing critical initiatives such as the stringent regulation of cellular SIM card registrations, the expansion of nationwide internet access, robust personal data protection measures, and the cultivation of a secure and conducive digital environment, particularly for Indonesia’s vulnerable youth. However, as her term progresses, the sheer scale and complexity of the online gambling phenomenon have cast a long shadow, challenging the efficacy of existing strategies and prompting a significant re-evaluation of the government’s approach to this pervasive digital menace.

The Minister’s Initial Mandate and Commitment

Meutya Hafid, representing the Golkar Party, stepped into the Komdigi portfolio with a clear vision to tackle the burgeoning challenges of the digital era. Her initial pronouncements underscored a multi-faceted approach, recognizing that online gambling was not merely a standalone issue but intricately linked to broader digital vulnerabilities. To galvanize internal support for this crucial fight, she mandated that all officials within the Ministry of Communication and Digital sign an integrity pact, a symbolic yet firm commitment to uphold the anti-gambling stance and actively participate in its eradication. This internal measure aimed to ensure a unified front within the ministry, emphasizing the seriousness with which the government intended to confront what it increasingly viewed as a national crisis. The minister’s early focus on protecting children and establishing a safe digital space highlighted the profound social implications of online gambling, extending beyond mere financial losses to encompass mental health, family stability, and the future prospects of the younger generation.

A Growing Crisis: The Alarming Scale of Online Gambling in Indonesia

The imperative to combat online gambling stems from its devastating impact, which transcends mere financial ruin to become a deeply entrenched social ailment, fostering a myriad of serious problems within Indonesian society. Its tentacles reach into every corner, instigating financial destitution, precipitating criminal acts such as theft and fraud, eroding family foundations, inflicting severe mental health distress, and imperiling the future of young people through crippling debt and addiction. The phenomenon, far from receding, has exhibited an alarming and consistent upward trend across the archipelago, underscoring the urgency of the government’s response.

Supporting data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) paints a grim picture of the financial hemorrhage caused by this illicit activity. From 2017 up to the third quarter of 2025, the total circulation of funds associated with online gambling activities in Indonesia has surged to an astronomical Rp1,032 trillion (approximately USD 67 billion, based on prevailing exchange rates), involving over 259 million individual transactions. To put this figure into perspective, this amount represents a significant percentage of Indonesia’s annual state budget and a substantial drain on the national economy, diverting capital from productive sectors into illicit channels. Further corroborating this escalating crisis, reports from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) reveal a drastic 260.03% surge in suspicious financial transactions linked to online gambling in 2025, a trend that alarmingly continued to dominate financial reports into early 2026. This stark increase is particularly ironic, given the sustained, multi-year efforts by the Indonesian government to curb online gambling, suggesting that despite interventions, the problem’s momentum continues unabated, adapting and evolving in response to regulatory pressures.

Chronology of Government Interventions

The battle against online gambling is not new for Indonesia; various governmental bodies have launched concerted efforts over several years. A timeline of key interventions illustrates the persistent, albeit challenging, nature of this fight:

June 2024: Recognizing the escalating threat, the government, under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam), established the Satuan Tugas Pemberantasan Perjudian Daring (Satgas Judi Online), or the Online Gambling Eradication Task Force. This inter-agency body was mandated to conduct legal operations aimed at disrupting online gambling networks. Its initial focus areas included the freezing of suspicious bank accounts, cracking down on the illicit trade and sale of bank accounts used for gambling transactions, and targeting the increasingly popular method of facilitating online game top-ups through minimarkets, which often served as covert channels for gambling deposits.
September 2024: Following the formation of the Satgas, the OJK intensified its efforts by instructing banks to expedite the resolution of customer complaints related to account blockages suspected of involvement in online gambling activities. This move aimed to streamline the process of isolating and neutralizing financial conduits used by perpetrators.
October 2024: Meutya Hafid’s appointment as Menkomdigi marked a new chapter, bringing a renewed focus and strategic direction to the digital fight.
October 2024 – July 2026: Under Minister Hafid’s leadership, the Ministry of Communication and Digital undertook aggressive measures to curb access to online gambling platforms. During this period, the ministry successfully blocked approximately 3.7 million websites and digital content identified as promoting or facilitating online gambling. This large-scale content moderation effort demonstrated the government’s commitment to cutting off digital access points.
Ongoing Collaboration: In a synergistic effort, Komdigi collaborated closely with the OJK to identify and address financial irregularities. Together, they reported around 38,000 bank accounts suspected of being linked to online gambling activities. Following a meticulous cleansing process to verify the allegations, approximately 32,500 of these accounts were successfully closed, severing vital financial lifelines for gambling operators.
Early 2026: Despite these extensive efforts, the OJK continued to report a dominant trend of suspicious financial transactions related to online gambling, indicating the adaptive and resilient nature of the illicit industry.
July 2026: The OJK Banking Forum 2026, themed "Strengthening Information Technology Governance in Banking and Enhancing Efforts to Eradicate Financial Crime and Online Gambling in the Digital Era," served as a crucial platform for Meutya Hafid to articulate a revised strategy, emphasizing a more holistic and integrated approach to the problem.

The Intractable Challenges: Why Eradication Remains Elusive

Despite the government’s persistent and multi-pronged efforts, the complete eradication of online gambling has proven to be an exceptionally difficult task. Experts and officials alike point to a confluence of six primary factors that underpin this persistent challenge:

Indonesia as a Burgeoning Market: With its vast population, rapidly expanding internet penetration, and a large demographic of young, tech-savvy individuals, Indonesia presents an irresistible and continuously growing market for online gambling operators. The allure of quick profits resonates in a society with varying economic opportunities.
Loyal User Base: A significant segment of the population, once ensnared by the promise of easy winnings, develops a deeply ingrained addiction, transforming into a loyal and persistent user base that consistently seeks out new platforms.
Affordable Traffic: The relatively low cost of internet access and digital advertising in Indonesia makes it economically viable for gambling platforms to reach a broad audience with minimal investment.
Massive Social Media Promotion: Online gambling operators heavily leverage social media platforms and popular messaging applications for aggressive, often covert, promotional campaigns, bypassing traditional advertising restrictions and directly targeting potential users. Influencers and viral content are frequently exploited to normalize and popularize gambling.
The Allure of Quick Winnings: The psychological appeal of instant wealth, even if illusory, remains a powerful motivator for individuals, particularly those facing economic hardship or seeking an escape.
Offshore Servers and Gambling Hubs: Perhaps the most significant impediment is the transnational nature of online gambling. The primary servers and operational centers for these platforms are predominantly located in countries where gambling is legal or regulation is lax, such as the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This geographical distance places them beyond the direct jurisdictional reach of Indonesian law enforcement.

This "Mati Satu Tumbuh Seribu" (one dies, a thousand grow) phenomenon epitomizes the challenge. When authorities block a site or content, new ones swiftly emerge, often with slightly altered domains or new hosting providers. The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) further complicates access restrictions, allowing users to bypass geographical blocks effortlessly. The core issue lies in the inability to access and dismantle the foundational infrastructure—the servers and the organizational structures—which are safely ensconced in foreign territories.

The New Frontier: Cryptocurrency and Evading Detection

Adding another layer of complexity to the already arduous fight, online gambling perpetrators have demonstrated increasing sophistication in concealing their illicit gains. The Ministry of Communication and Digital has acknowledged a growing difficulty in tracing funds associated with online gambling activities, primarily due to a significant shift in transaction patterns towards the utilization of cryptocurrency, particularly for cross-border transfers.

Teguh Arifiyadi, the Director of Supervision of Electronic Certification and Transactions at Komdigi, highlighted this critical development, explaining that perpetrators are now adopting crypto addresses to obfuscate the flow of funds. Previously, gambling funds were frequently deposited into local bank accounts, making them relatively easier to track through conventional banking channels. However, the current modus operandi involves converting fiat currency into various cryptocurrencies before transferring them internationally. "The process of tracing crypto transactions requires more sophisticated instruments and considerably more time compared to conventional banking transactions," Arifiyadi stated on Friday, July 4, 2025. The decentralized, pseudonymous, and often rapid nature of cryptocurrency transactions presents a formidable challenge for traditional financial intelligence units, demanding specialized technological capabilities and international cooperation that are still evolving. This shift effectively creates a digital labyrinth, making it exceedingly difficult for authorities to "follow the money" and dismantle the financial networks that sustain online gambling operations.

Pemberantasan Judi Online, Janji (yang Hingga Kini) Gagal Dituntaskan Oleh Meutia Hafid

Shifting Tactics: A Unified Ecosystem Approach

Recognizing the limitations of site-blocking alone and the adaptive nature of online gambling, Minister Meutya Hafid has articulated a significant shift in strategy. Instead of a singular focus on access termination, the government is now pursuing a more comprehensive approach aimed at dismantling the entire digital crime ecosystem that underpins online gambling operations. This new paradigm targets not only the visible websites but also the intricate financial flows and the underlying criminal networks.

"The eradication of online gambling must be comprehensive; it cannot and should not stop merely at terminating access to sites. It must encompass the entire ecosystem," Meutya Hafid emphasized at the OJK Banking Forum 2026, held at the Bank Indonesia Office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. This revised strategy acknowledges that to truly cripple the industry, every component of its operational infrastructure must be targeted simultaneously.

This integrated approach is further bolstered by the mandate enshrined in Law No. 4 of 2026 concerning the Development and Strengthening of the Financial Sector (P2SK Law). This landmark legislation provides the legal framework for the establishment of cross-ministerial and inter-agency task forces specifically designed to combat online gambling comprehensively. The P2SK Law strengthens synergy among various institutions, ensuring that efforts are not fragmented but are instead integrated, spanning from access termination and the disruption of financial flows to robust law enforcement actions. "Law No. 4 of 2026 reinforces inter-agency synergy in eradicating online gambling. This serves as a foundation to ensure that handling is not done in isolation but is integrated, from access termination and fund flow disruption to law enforcement," Meutya stated, highlighting the legislative backing for this coordinated offensive.

Strengthening the Financial Bastion: OJK and Banking Sector Mobilization

A critical component of this new, ecosystem-wide strategy involves aggressively severing the financial lifelines that sustain online gambling. Minister Hafid explicitly called for the government to cut off funding sources by blocking the "holding accounts" that serve as conduits for illicit funds. "Access termination to sites must be accompanied by amputating the ‘neck’ of the online gambling ecosystem, namely the holding accounts. Therefore, collaboration between Komdigi, OJK, the banking industry, and law enforcement agencies is key to breaking this chain of crime," she asserted.

The OJK and the broader banking sector are now being mobilized as frontline defenders in this financial battle. Their role extends beyond merely responding to government directives; it involves proactive measures to identify suspicious transactions, enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, and implement advanced transaction monitoring systems. Banks are crucial in detecting patterns indicative of gambling activities, such as frequent small deposits followed by large withdrawals, or transactions with unusual beneficiaries. The collaboration is intended to create a dragnet that makes it increasingly difficult for gambling operators to process payments, receive deposits, or transfer their illicit proceeds. This will require not only technological upgrades within financial institutions but also a heightened sense of vigilance and rapid response mechanisms to keep pace with the evolving tactics of perpetrators.

Broader Implications: Socio-Economic Fallout and Public Trust

The relentless proliferation of online gambling carries profound socio-economic implications for Indonesia. Economically, the staggering trillion-rupiah turnover represents not just illicit gains but also a massive opportunity cost, diverting funds that could otherwise be invested in legitimate economic activities, savings, or consumption that fuels growth. It exacerbates income inequality and can destabilize household finances, contributing to a cycle of poverty and indebtedness. Socially, the epidemic fuels a public health crisis, with widespread addiction leading to severe mental health issues, increased suicide rates, and the erosion of family structures. The vulnerability of children and adolescents, easily lured into gambling through online games and social media, poses a grave threat to the nation’s human capital development.

The government’s ongoing struggle to effectively curb online gambling also has implications for public trust. Despite numerous initiatives and significant resource allocation, the persistent rise in transaction volumes and the "one dies, a thousand grow" phenomenon suggest that current measures have yet to yield decisive, widespread results felt by the general populace. This can lead to public disillusionment and questions regarding the government’s capacity to protect its citizens from digital threats. The public’s perception of the efficacy of government policies is intrinsically linked to the tangible outcomes they experience in their daily lives. Therefore, the success or failure of Meutya Hafid’s renewed strategy will be a critical determinant of public confidence in the digital governance agenda.

The Road Ahead: International Cooperation and Sustained Vigilance

Looking ahead, the fight against online gambling in Indonesia will undoubtedly necessitate a multi-faceted and sustained effort, extending beyond national borders. Given that the operational hubs and servers are predominantly offshore, robust international cooperation becomes indispensable. This involves diplomatic engagements with countries where these operations are legal, intelligence sharing with international law enforcement agencies, and participation in global initiatives to combat transnational cybercrime and money laundering. Without the ability to dismantle the source of these operations, domestic efforts will continue to be a Sisyphean task.

Furthermore, a focus on preventative measures, such as widespread digital literacy campaigns and public awareness programs about the dangers of online gambling, is crucial. Educating the populace, particularly the youth, about the risks and the deceptive nature of gambling promotions can help build resilience from within. Technological innovation, including advanced AI-driven detection systems for both content and financial transactions, will also play a critical role in keeping pace with the evolving methods of perpetrators. The battle against online gambling is not a finite project but an ongoing commitment requiring constant adaptation, unwavering vigilance, and robust collaboration across all sectors of society.

Whether this newly articulated, ecosystem-focused strategy, buttressed by the P2SK Law and strengthened collaboration with the OJK and the banking sector, will prove more effective in "amputating" the pervasive practice of online gambling remains to be seen. The ultimate test will be in the tangible impact felt by Indonesian society. For now, the promise made by Meutya Hafid upon her inauguration to eradicate online gambling appears to be an uphill battle, marked by persistent challenges and the relentless adaptability of a deeply entrenched illicit industry. As an integral part of Indonesian society, citizens are ultimately empowered to evaluate the effectiveness of these ongoing endeavors.

July 21, 2026 0 comment