Jakarta, Indonesia – A recent inquiry by the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) has revealed that over 132,000 recipients of social aid were involved in online gambling transactions during the first half of 2025, totaling Rp542.5 billion (approximately $33.8 million USD). The findings, announced today by Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, have prompted an immediate reassessment of social assistance eligibility.
The PPATK’s analysis identified significant gambling activity linked to social aid beneficiaries across multiple provinces.Jakarta saw 7,717 recipients engaging in Rp36 billion worth of transactions, while banten recorded 5,317 individuals and Rp25 billion.Lampung followed with 5,039 recipients and Rp18 billion in gambling-related funds.
At the municipal level,Bogor Regency exhibited the highest concentration of activity,with 5,497 individuals and Rp22 billion in transactions. Surabaya and Central Jakarta also showed substantial involvement,with 1,816 individuals (Rp9 billion) and 1,754 individuals (Rp9 billion) respectively.
The investigation pinpointed the Dana digital wallet as the most frequently used platform for these transactions, accounting for 303,124 instances. Conventional banking institutions also played a role, with BCA recording 52,727 transactions, BRI with 12,993, BNI with 4,320, and Mandiri with 2,788.
Minister Yusuf emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This indicates a trend we must address seriously. Our goal is to ensure that social assistance reaches those who truly need it and is not diverted to gambling.” He was joined by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo in the announcement.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has initiated a comprehensive verification and cross-checking process of beneficiary data, specifically focusing on recipients of the Family Hope Program (PKH). Approximately 375,000 individuals who received aid in the first and second quarters of 2025 are currently under review, with their eligibility for the third quarter being reassessed based on the PPATK’s findings.
The Family Hope Program (PKH), established in 2007 under Presidential Regulation Number 39, provides conditional cash transfers to eligible families, focusing on health and education. The program targets approximately 10 million families nationwide, aiming to reduce poverty and improve human capital. The current investigation highlights vulnerabilities within the program’s distribution system and the potential for misuse of funds.
PPATK, established in 2002 under Law Number 8, plays a crucial role in preventing and combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Its mandate includes analyzing financial transactions to identify suspicious activity and reporting findings to law enforcement agencies. This latest investigation underscores PPATK’s expanding role in safeguarding public funds and ensuring the integrity of social welfare programs.
The Indonesian government has been increasingly focused on curbing online gambling, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. In May 2024, President Joko Widodo issued a directive to block all online gambling sites and applications, citing concerns about their negative social and economic impact. This latest discovery of social aid funds being used for gambling further reinforces the need for stricter regulations and enforcement measures.
