Indonesia has blocked access to prediction market platform Polymarket, classifying it as an illegal online gambling site amid a broader national crackdown on online betting.
As reported by local media, the Communications and Digital Ministry said platforms that facilitate wagers on specific event outcomes are considered gambling under Indonesian law, even if presented as “prediction markets.” The ministry did not specifically reference individual bets in its formal statement but confirmed that Polymarket’s activities involve speculation and betting on unresolved events, which violate national regulations.
A wager circulating on social media last week speculated on the possible early end of President Prabowo Subianto’s term, drawing widespread attention. The bet was launched on May 21, one day after the president announced plans to centralize government control over key commodity exports, including coal and palm oil. According to data published on the platform, trading volume for the wager exceeded US$44,000, with the highest probability assigned to a December outcome.
Ministry official Alexander Sabar said the Government will also track social media accounts affiliated with or promoting Polymarket. “The Government will not allow any form of online gambling in Indonesia,” the ministry stated.
Gambling is illegal in Indonesia, and authorities have intensified enforcement in recent months. Government figures show that approximately 3.4 million gambling-related websites and digital content have been blocked since October 2024. Financial regulators previously reported that transactions linked to online gambling reached about RP 286 trn last year, equivalent to roughly US$16bn.
Prediction market platforms have faced regulatory challenges globally, with several countries restricting or banning access.
Indonesia blocked around 3.4 million gambling-related websites and digital content since October 2024, according to government data
