Beware! Social Media Comments Now Targeted by Online Gambling Bots

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has revealed a new modus operandi for online gambling that exploits comment sections on social media to target Indonesian citizens. The public is urged to remain vigilant and avoid interacting with accounts that carry out such promotions automatically. Director General of Digital Space Supervision at Kemkomdigi, Alexander Sabar, noted a 128 percent surge in online gambling content over the past two weeks (14-28 June 2026). This increase is driven by organised transnational activity using bot systems to monitor popular posts in real-time. “When posts from accounts with high reach experience increased interaction, the system automatically disseminates comments containing promotions or links to online gambling sites,” Alex said. Kemkomdigi data shows that throughout 1-28 June 2026, a total of 126,180 pieces of online gambling content were handled. Although the majority of findings originated from websites, the promotional mode via comment sections on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok is now increasingly aggressive in hunting for new victims. Alex explained that this phenomenon is closely linked to the 2026 World Cup momentum, which perpetrators are exploiting for sports betting. The identified bot accounts are predominantly based in India and Brazil, targeting accounts with large followings and high interaction. The perpetrators use variations of keywords and hashtags such as “RAWIT BET”, “BARA13”, and “KABUL” to evade automatic platform moderation. Kemkomdigi has confirmed that these keywords have been entered into the national blocking system. In addition to cutting off content access, Kemkomdigi is coordinating intensively with PPATK, OJK, and law enforcement officials. Concrete steps taken include requesting the closure of bank accounts and digital wallet accounts indicated to be linked to online gambling activities.