Indonesia removes more than 11,000 social aid recipients over online gambling
The government detected gambling-related transactions after cross-checking data with the country’s financial watchdog.
Indonesia.- The government of Indonesia has removed more than 11,000 families from its social aid beneficiary list after detecting indications that welfare funds were being used for online gambling. The figure was announced by Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, who said the ministry matched data with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK).
“For this year, we have unlisted more than 11,000 beneficiaries in the first quarter and 75 more in the second,” Yusuf said.
The government said the initiative aims to ensure welfare assistance reaches “eligible and responsible recipients.” The ministry noted that the number of cases dropped significantly compared to 2025, when around 600,000 beneficiaries were removed for the same reason.
The government clarified that some recipients who had been removed regained access after additional verification processes conducted last year. However, Yusuf warned that repeat offenders could face a permanent ban from the welfare system. The Ministry of Social Affairs said it will continue working with the PPATK to conduct account audits over the next six months.
