{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1758514,
        "msgid": "kemkomdigi-blocks-polymarket-online-gambling-posed-as-prediction-market-1779537407",
        "date": "2026-05-22 19:47:00",
        "title": "Kemkomdigi Blocks Polymarket, Online Gambling Posed as Prediction Market",
        "author": "Irvan Sihombing",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Regulation",
        "summary": "Indonesia\u2019s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has blocked access to Polymarket\u2019s website, citing online gambling disguised as a prediction market. The agency says it is committed to eradicating digital gambling and is also tracing Polymarket-linked social media accounts to enforce a comprehensive shutdown, with the move aligning with tighter international scrutiny of similar platforms.",
        "content": "<p>Kemkomdigi has blocked access to Polymarket (www.polymarket.com), a\nplatform popular in the cryptocurrency world, which it says facilitates\nonline gambling under the guise of a prediction market. Alexander Sabar,\nDirector-General of Digital Space Surveillance at Kemkomdigi, emphasised\nthe government\u2019s full commitment to eradicating all forms of digital\ngambling in Indonesia. \u2018The government will not provide space for any\nform of online gambling in Indonesia,\u2019 he said in Central Jakarta on\nFriday, 22 May.<\/p>\n<p>Technically, prediction markets are platforms that allow users to\ntrade contracts based on the outcomes of future events, ranging from\nelections and economic trends to sports results. These platforms\ngenerally utilise blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies for\ntransactions. However, Kemkomdigi assesses that Polymarket\u2019s practices\ninvolve monetary stakes and speculation on uncertain outcomes, which\nunder Indonesian law meet the criteria for gambling. In addition to\nblocking the site, the government is investigating social media accounts\naffiliated with Polymarket to ensure a comprehensive shutdown.<\/p>\n<p>This move by Indonesia is in line with policies in several other\ncountries that have tightened oversight of similar platforms. While some\ntechnology enthusiasts regard prediction markets as tools for collecting\naccurate public sentiment (wisdom of the crowd), regulators are\nconcerned about the associated risks. Kemkomdigi urges the public to\nstay vigilant and not engage in digital betting-based speculation. The\ngovernment will continue coordinating with law enforcement to monitor\nsimilar services that may facilitate such practices, to maintain a\nhealthy and productive national digital ecosystem.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kemkomdigi-blocks-polymarket-online-gambling-posed-as-prediction-market-1779537407",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}