Indonesia Freezes 28,000 Bank Accounts in Crackdown

Key Takeaways
Indonesia’s financial regulator has frozen more than 28,000 bank accounts. This move is part of a broad effort to combat illegal online gambling, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and fraud. The accounts in question were flagged as suspicious—many were inactive or had been resold illegally. Customers can reactivate their accounts after verifying their identity with their bank.
Background of the Measure
The action was carried out by Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK – Pusat Pelaporan dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan). It is based on Law No. 8 of 2010 on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering. According to PPATK head Ivan Yustiavandana, the measure aims to protect the financial system and restore public trust.
Which Accounts Are Affected
The measure primarily targeted:
- Inactive (so-called “dormant”) accounts
- Accounts linked to gambling activities
- Accounts used for money laundering related to fraud or drug trafficking
According to PPATK, criminal groups are increasingly using dormant accounts to obscure money flows. These accounts are often resold on the black market and then used for illegal transactions.
Public Reactions
On social media, many users expressed surprise about the freezing of their accounts. One case that drew particular attention was that of Andrew Darwis, founder of the well-known Indonesian forum Kaskus. His account was also temporarily frozen.
However, PPATK emphasizes that all funds are safe. Affected individuals can reactivate their accounts by contacting their bank and completing the necessary verification steps.
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Recommendations from Authorities
To prevent misuse, PPATK recommends:
- Closing accounts that are no longer in use
- Not sharing sensitive banking information with third parties
- Reporting suspicious activity to your bank or the police immediately
These recommendations are intended to help prevent future cases of financial abuse.
Our Assessment
The frozen accounts highlight how deeply online gambling and other illegal activities are intertwined with the financial system. Indonesia is taking decisive action against these structures. For you as a user, this means: be cautious with your banking information and pay attention to the platforms you use—especially when it comes to gambling or financial transactions. You should regularly check or close inactive accounts to avoid unintentionally drawing the attention of authorities. This measure sends a clear message: illegal financial activities are increasingly being tracked and penalized digitally.
Sources
- Jakarta Globe
- The Jakarta Post
- Antara News