Indonesia Flags Meta Over Surging Illegal Gambling Ads
Indonesia is grappling with a persistent wave of disguised gambling advertisements circulating throughout Meta’s ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Despite a nationwide ban on online and offline gambling, an AFP investigation found that betting promoters are exploiting loopholes in platform moderation by presenting gambling ads as benign content such as health advice, fruit benefits, or gaming tips. These ads redirect unsuspecting users, including young audiences, to illegal betting websites, prompting serious public safety concerns.
Regulators have removed more than 5.7 million gambling-related posts in recent years, yet the frequency of new ads illustrates the sophistication and persistence of these networks. Officials warn that Meta must strengthen its detection systems or face escalating penalties, including potential access termination. A forthcoming study by Populix indicates that 98 percent of Indonesian social media users have encountered gambling promotions, with a significant portion admitting to trying online betting after exposure. This widespread penetration underscores the scale of the challenge.
Government agencies also stressed the severe societal impact, citing rising divorce cases, financial instability, and disruption among welfare recipients, thousands of whom reportedly engaged in online gambling. With online gambling transactions previously reaching 927 trillion rupiah between 2017 and 2025, enforcement agencies have intensified monitoring, freezing accounts and strengthening cooperation with banks and e-wallet services. Despite a decline in gambling transaction values in 2025, authorities warn that illegal operators frequently relocate to countries such as the Philippines and Cambodia to evade crackdowns.
Indonesia’s new SAMAN content moderation system, scheduled for full deployment soon, is designed to close remaining oversight gaps and enforce compliance across digital platforms. Officials maintain that coordinated efforts between regulators, platforms, and technology systems are essential to protecting Indonesia’s digital ecosystem from illegal gambling influence.
