Indonesia Tightens Rules on Idle Accounts, Combats Online Gambling and Protects Financial System
Jakarta – The government through the Financial Services Authority (OJK) has taken a strategic step by tightening supervision and regulation of dormant or inactive accounts. This policy was taken as part of efforts to prevent the rampant practice of online gambling and abuse of the national financial system.
The Chief Executive of OJK Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae, stated that her party had held intensive discussions with all bank compliance directors to discuss concrete steps for handling dormant accounts. According to her, accounts that have not been used for a long time have the potential to be used by irresponsible parties as a means of illegal activities, including fraud and online gambling.
“In the future, OJK will strengthen supervision and regulation of the use of dormant accounts, as well as prepare guidelines for handling fraud or scam cases,” said Dian.
She added that strengthening regulations will also focus on aspects of banking information technology, along with the increasing cyber threats in the financial sector. This regulatory adjustment is considered urgent in order to ensure protection for the public and maintain the stability of the national financial system.
“These steps are taken to maintain the integrity of the national financial system and protect the public from misuse of dormant accounts by irresponsible parties,” he said.
OJK’s steps are supported by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK). PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana said that the temporary suspension of transactions on dormant accounts was carried out selectively, namely on accounts that were strongly suspected of being involved in illegal activities.
According to Ivan, during 2024, PPATK has identified more than 28,000 accounts used as a means of online gambling transactions. Most of them come from the practice of buying and selling accounts, which are then used for deposits on online gambling sites.
“In 2024 there were more than 28,000 accounts originating from buying and selling accounts used for online gambling deposits,” said Ivan.
This finding is a serious concern considering that the modus operandi of cybercriminals is now increasingly sophisticated. In addition to online gambling, dormant accounts are also used to store the proceeds of crime such as digital fraud and drug networks.
PPATK said that this policy is part of the implementation of the National Movement for the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (TPPU-PT), which was raised together with various stakeholders. The goal is to protect public interests and strengthen the integrity of the national financial system.
“This step is an implementation of the National Movement for the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and as part of PPATK’s efforts to protect public interests,” explained Ivan.
The government through OJK and PPATK emphasized its commitment to eradicating illegal practices that harm the public. Supervision of dormant accounts is not only a technical effort, but also a form of protection for the financial sector from systemic threats.
By strengthening collaboration between institutions and the banking world, this policy is expected to be able to close the gaps that have been exploited by digital criminals. In the midst of rapid digital transformation, the integrity and security of the national financial system are important foundations in encouraging healthy and sustainable economic growth.
