Published on: May 25, 2026, 02:14h.
Updated on: May 25, 2026, 02:14h.
- Access to the prediction market Polymarket has been restricted in Indonesia.
- The Indonesian authorities have designated Polymarket as an illicit gambling site.
- The prohibition follows Polymarket’s introduction of trading options regarding the president’s political future.
Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal gambling by curtailing access to the prediction market Polymarket.
Gambling remains illegal in Indonesia, although underground betting and various online platforms have long catered to eager gamblers. The administration of President Prabowo Subianto has taken a firmer stance against these activities.
The increasing popularity of prediction markets, which permit trading on potential future event outcomes, has attracted regulatory attention in Jakarta. Following Polymarket’s recent offerings regarding when Prabowo might cease to be president, government action was initiated.
On Friday, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs officially terminated access to Polymarket. While not directly referencing the contentious trading surrounding the president, the ministry claimed the decentralized crypto-based prediction market had engaged in illegal online gambling activities.
“Platforms that enable financial bets on specific events fall under the category of online gambling, regardless of their framing as prediction markets, including those utilizing blockchain technology or cryptocurrency,” the Ministry’s statement asserted.
Indonesia ranks as the fourth most populous nation globally.
Presidential Popularity Insights
Prabowo hails from a prominent Indonesian lineage, with his grandfather being the founder of the national bank. He was previously married to Titiek Suharto, the daughter of former president Suharto.
In the 2024 presidential election, Prabowo secured victory with 59% of the electorate’s support. Initially well-received, he has faced backlash for his strategy to centralize government control over key commodities like coal and palm oil. Additionally, extravagant spending on populist initiatives, such as providing free school meals, has fostered criticism.
Amid growing opposition, Polymarket offered insights into the president’s longevity in office. Traders estimated the likelihood of Prabowo leaving office by May 31 at a mere 1%. By June 30, expectations only marginally rose to 2%, while by year-end, the probability was thought to reach 11%.
To date, the Polymarket contracts have registered a nominal trading volume of $51,531. Despite the limited engagement, the Prabowo administration opted to ban the platform outright.
“The government will not tolerate any form of online gambling in Indonesia. Activities similar to Polymarket contain elements of monetary bets and speculation, which violate the existing laws in the country,” stated ministry spokesperson Alexander Sabar.
In response to inquiries regarding other international prediction markets, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs confirmed that a comprehensive review is currently underway.
Combatting Online Gambling
Indonesia persists in investigating websites that may contravene the nation’s gambling regulations.
Earlier this month, over 321 foreigners were apprehended by the Indonesian National Police on suspicions of operating at least 75 illicit online gambling operations, with the majority being Vietnamese nationals.
“The Ministry of Communication and Digital advises the public to avoid engaging in any digital betting activities, including those involving cryptocurrencies. We are enhancing our oversight in the digital realm and collaborating with law enforcement and stakeholders to ensure that Indonesia’s digital environment remains secure, healthy, and beneficial,” the announcement concluded.