Indonesia Combats Money Laundering Through Dormant Account Monitoring
By Bambang Artha Wiguna
The government’s efforts to combat financial crimes, particularly money laundering (TPPU), continue to be strengthened through various strategic measures. One of the most recent measures taken is the policy of temporarily suspending dormant accounts, or passive accounts that have been inactive for months or years. This policy was implemented by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) as a form of public protection and law enforcement against criminals who frequently exploit loopholes in the banking system.
PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana explained that this policy began on May 15, 2025, as an implementation of Law Number 8 of 2010 concerning Money Laundering. According to him, the temporary suspension of dormant accounts is a manifestation of the state’s presence in protecting the rights of the public as account holders. Although the account is temporarily deactivated, the rights to the funds stored remain guaranteed and fully protected by the state. This is important to emphasize to assuage public concerns that this measure constitutes a form of fund confiscation by the authorities.
In fact, dormant accounts that remain unaccessed for long periods are highly vulnerable to misuse. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has noted a surge in cases of customer accounts being traded, hacked, misused, and funds disappearing without a trace. In fact, more than 140,000 accounts have been found inactive for over a decade, with funds totaling Rp 428.61 billion. This loophole is often exploited by cybercriminals and money laundering syndicates.
This PPATK action is not a unilateral one. Dormant account data is obtained from banks, not determined independently by the PPATK. Furthermore, customers affected by this policy are given full access to request account reactivation through their banks or directly with the PPATK. The reactivation process is relatively easy and quick, as long as it can be legally verified that the account owner is the party entitled to the funds.
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has also strengthened oversight of dormant accounts. The Chief Executive of Banking Supervision at the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Dian Ediana Rae, emphasized that her office has instructed banks to report suspicious activity in dormant accounts. This includes analyzing transactions conducted by suspected criminals and tracking incoming and outgoing funds. The OJK also supports the blocking initiative by requiring banks to close accounts identified based on matching National Identification Numbers (NIK) and implementing enhanced due diligence procedures to improve audit accuracy.
As of mid-2025, more than 17,000 accounts had been blocked, according to a report from the Ministry of Communication and Digital. This figure indicates that digital financial crime continues to grow and requires a more adaptive oversight system.
Support for this measure has also come from the legislature. Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Rano Alfath, assessed the policy of blocking dormant accounts as a relevant and strategic strategy in law enforcement, particularly against money laundering and online gambling. He views this policy as an early warning tool that can prevent crime before it occurs.
Rano also highlighted the increasingly worrying rise in the practice of buying and selling accounts on digital platforms such as marketplaces. Many people are unaware that their personal data is being traded or used for illegal purposes. In this context, the policy of temporarily suspending dormant accounts can be a first line of defense, protecting people from potential victims or even being dragged into financial crimes without their knowledge.
The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK)’s actions are also legally legitimate. There are no violations in implementing this policy, as they align with the legal framework stipulated in the Money Laundering Law (UU TPPU). It is also important to emphasize that there is no confiscation of funds by the state. The funds remain the property of the customer; transactions are simply suspended while verification is carried out.
However, this measure must be implemented with the principles of prudence and transparency. The government and relevant authorities continue to ensure that the blocking process is carried out objectively, proportionally, and does not cause undue inconvenience to the public. Massive public awareness campaigns are also crucial to ensure the public understands the purpose and mechanisms of this policy, preventing confusion or panic.
