Indonesia has blocked access to Polymarket after officials concluded that the prediction market platform operates as online gambling under national law.
The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry announced the move on Friday and said authorities are stepping up enforcement against digital betting services across the country. Officials argued that platforms allowing users to speculate on uncertain future events fall within Indonesia’s gambling restrictions, even when those services are tied to crypto assets or blockchain technology.
The government will not allow any form of online gambling in Indonesia,” Alexander Sabar, the ministry’s director general of digital space supervision, told reporters in Jakarta.
Authorities said Polymarket allows users to place financial wagers on elections, economic developments, sports results, and other future outcomes. While prediction markets often present themselves as information or forecasting tools, Indonesian regulators said the practical function still resembles gambling activity.
Sabar said Polymarket’s activities involve betting and speculation on uncertain events, putting the platform in violation of national regulations.
Officials confirmed the platform’s website has already been blocked inside Indonesia as part of a broader campaign targeting online gambling services. The ministry also warned residents against using crypto-based betting platforms that could expose users to financial losses or legal risks.
Government widens crackdown on prediction markets
The ministry said it is now tracing social media accounts connected to Polymarket as authorities try to limit promotion of the platform across multiple online channels. Officials added that similar services could face future restrictions if regulators determine they facilitate speculative betting activity.
Indonesia’s action mirrors growing pressure on prediction market companies in several other countries. According to Sabar, Singapore, Brazil, and India have already blocked Polymarket, while Taiwan, Thailand, China, and Japan have imposed various restrictions tied to domestic regulations.
US regulators increase pressure on prediction platforms
Legal scrutiny has also intensified in the United States, where prediction markets are facing challenges from both federal and state authorities. Recent disputes involving the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have centered on whether event-based contracts should be treated as regulated financial products or illegal gambling instruments.
Several American states have pursued lawsuits and enforcement actions against prediction market operators, arguing that election-related contracts and sports-event wagers violate local gambling laws. At the same time, the CFTC has defended aspects of federally regulated prediction markets in ongoing court battles over jurisdiction and oversight authority.
Indonesia says enforcement aims to protect users
Indonesian officials said their enforcement campaign is intended to protect internet users, especially younger people who may be drawn to speculative digital betting platforms promoted online.
The ministry said authorities will continue coordinating with law enforcement agencies and other institutions to monitor digital services operating inside the country. Officials added that the broader goal is maintaining what they described as a safe, healthy, and productive digital environment for Indonesian users.
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