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Indonesian Authorities Prohibit X Platform from Displaying Gambling Advertisements

Social media platform X, formerly recognized as Twitter, has been ordered by Indonesia to eradicate all gambling advertisements from its site.

Indonesian Government Prohibits X Platform from Displaying Advertisements for Gambling Activities
Indonesian Government Prohibits X Platform from Displaying Advertisements for Gambling Activities

Indonesian Authorities Prohibit X Platform from Displaying Gambling Advertisements

In the digital age, social media platforms have become a significant part of daily life for many Indonesians. However, a recent survey by Populix has revealed a concerning trend: 82% or 8 out of 10 Indonesian internet users have encountered online gambling content, with 63% seeing such ads regularly during their internet browsing sessions.

This issue has not gone unnoticed by the Indonesian government. Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the Director General of Informatics Applications, made a statement at a press conference regarding the government's efforts against illegal gambling advertisements. He stated that the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is working towards establishing an automated system for handling gambling content on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).

The government's stance against online gambling promotions is consistent with its broader legal framework, as gambling is illegal in Indonesia, enforced under strict laws such as Article 303 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes gambling activities and by extension advertising that promotes them.

Recent developments show government resistance toward platforms not aligning with local rules. Representatives from X were summoned by the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology on Thursday. Pangerapan stated that the Indonesian government has requested X to establish an automated system for handling gambling content.

The presence of online gambling ads, including those featuring public figures, on X has been a concern for a significant portion of Indonesian netizens. The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has expressed concerns over the widespread appearance of online gambling ads on X, despite previous warnings.

The Indonesian government aims to simplify the identification and removal of gambling content. As of August 2025, Indonesia has intensified efforts to remove gambling advertisements from social media platforms, including X. While no detailed publicized Indonesian government decree specifically targeting gambling advertisements on X was found in the results, the government’s general stance is stringent against online gambling promotions, and there is increased scrutiny over platforms hosting such content.

The Populix survey indicates that a large number of Indonesian internet users have been exposed to online gambling content. The survey suggests that a majority of Indonesian internet users are regularly exposed to online gambling ads during their internet browsing sessions. This highlights the need for effective measures to combat the issue and protect the public, especially the vulnerable sections of society.

In conclusion, the Indonesian government is taking proactive steps to ensure compliance with its anti-gambling laws on social media platforms. The focus on X, a popular social media platform, underscores the government's commitment to upholding its strict regulations against online gambling and related advertising. As the situation evolves, it will be interesting to see how X responds to the government's requests and how the Indonesian government continues to enforce its anti-gambling laws in the digital sphere.

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