Indonesia faces AI-driven online fraud surge with Rp9.1 trillion in losses, Mafindo warns
Rp9.1 trillion in losses recorded as calls grow for stronger digital safeguards
Indonesia is facing what experts describe as a surge in online scams, with artificial intelligence accelerating fraud tactics and threatening public trust in the country’s digital economy.
AI-Driven Scam Threat Escalates
The Indonesian Anti-Defamation Society stated that online scams in Indonesia are becoming increasingly sophisticated due to advances in artificial intelligence. Techniques now range from deepfakes to advanced social engineering schemes that can circumvent basic digital literacy defenses.
Mafindo chair Septiaji Eko Nugroho made the remarks during a February 24, 2026 discussion in Jakarta themed Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration to Combat Digital Fraud. He warned that Indonesia’s regulatory gaps and low digital security literacy have worsened the situation.
Indonesia’s Weak Global Standing
Nugroho said Indonesia ranks second-to-last in the 2025 Global Fraud Index. The ranking reflects structural weaknesses in regulation, enforcement, and digital security awareness.
He added that the number of perpetrators apprehended and the funds recovered remain disproportionate to the scale of losses suffered nationwide.
Massive Financial Losses Reported
As of January 2026, the Indonesia Anti-Scam Center recorded 432,637 public complaints related to digital fraud. The Financial Services Authority documented total losses of Rp9.1 trillion, equivalent to approximately SGD 728,000,000.
Of that amount, around Rp432 billion, approximately SGD 34,560,000, was successfully saved through intervention efforts. Despite this recovery, the scale of losses underscores the severity of the crisis.
Six Strategic Policy Priorities
Mafindo released a policy brief outlining six strategic priorities, including the creation of a unified one-stop reporting system and regulatory restructuring. The goal is to provide greater legal clarity for banks and law enforcement agencies.
The organization also urged cross-sector coordination to implement AI-based early warning systems, strengthen mobile identity verification, and regulate AI-generated content labeling on social media platforms.
Strengthening Public Trust and Protection
Mafindo called on OJK to introduce customer protection features such as Money Lock and Kill Switch mechanisms. It also urged the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to mandate clear labeling of AI-generated content.
According to policy author Cahya Suryani, enhanced digital literacy programs must focus on mitigating psychological manipulation tactics used by scammers. Restoring public trust in digital transformation, she said, is essential to safeguarding Indonesia’s national economy.
Indonesia’s online scam emergency reflects the growing risks of AI-powered fraud in a rapidly expanding digital economy. With trillions of rupiah already lost, coordinated reforms in regulation, technology and public education are critical to safeguarding financial stability and sustaining confidence in Indonesia’s digital future.
Sources: EN Tempo (2026) , Disway (2026)
Keywords: Global Fraud Index 2025, Indonesia Anti Scam Center, Rp9.1 Trillion Losses, AI Social Engineering, Multi Stakeholder Collaboration