Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Ministry blocked access to Polymarket on Friday. The US-based prediction market platform drew widespread attention after users placed bets on when President Prabowo Subianto would leave office prematurely.
The ban came days after the bet circulated widely on Indonesian social media. Prabowo’s presidential term runs until 2029, making the wager politically sensitive.
Ministry Director General Alexander Sabar announced the decision to the public. He said, “The government will not allow any kind of online gambling in Indonesia.”
He explained that Polymarket lets people bet money on things that might or might not happen, and this breaks Indonesian law.
Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital Republik Indonesia resmi memblokir akses ke Polymarket yang terindikasi memfasilitasi aktivitas taruhan berbasis uang atas hasil atau peristiwa yang belum pasti. pic.twitter.com/nSpBzJpOyp
— Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital (@kemkomdigi) May 23, 2026
Government Labels Polymarket an Illegal Gambling Site
The ministry said Polymarket is an online gambling site. Officials explained that the platform lets people use money to guess what will happen in certain events, even though it runs on blockchain technology.
Sabar explained that prediction markets may use different terms, but they carry the same risks as regular gambling. The ministry added that Polymarket’s model still involves “money betting and guessing on uncertain events.”
The government also stressed that calling something a prediction market doesn’t remove it from Indonesia’s gambling rules. Officials said the technology behind the platform doesn’t change how it is treated under Indonesian law.
Ministry Extends Enforcement to Social Media Accounts
Beyond blocking the website, the ministry took further enforcement steps. Officials began tracing and monitoring social media accounts linked to Polymarket across multiple platforms.
The government said this approach ensures comprehensive access control. It aims to prevent users from accessing the platform through alternative channels or promotional content online.
Authorities also warned the public against participating in similar speculative digital betting activities. This includes platforms that use crypto assets or blockchain technology to facilitate outcome-based wagers.
The ministry added that it would review other similar services. Platforms suspected of offering prediction market features face potential access restrictions going forward.
Indonesia Joins Global Push Against Prediction Market Platforms
Indonesia’s move is not the first one. Some other countries have already taken similar steps against Polymarket.
Countries like Singapore, Brazil, and India have already shut the platform down. Others — Taiwan, Thailand, China, and Japan — have put rules in place to protect their people.
Officials said these examples helped support their decision. The ministry explained that the ban is part of a bigger global effort to keep risky online platforms under control.
According to the government, the desicion is meant to protect people using digital services, especially young users who are more likely to face financial losses from these platforms.
Authorities also announced that they will keep working closely with law enforcement and other partners. ensure Indonesia’s online space stays safe and follows the rules.
Also Read: Brazil Bans 28 Prediction Market Platforms, Blocks Polymarket and Kalshi
FAQS
Q1. Why did Indonesia block Polymarket?
A1. The government said it facilitates illegal gambling by letting users bet on uncertain events.
Q2. What sparked the ban?
A2. A bet on Prabowo’s early exit from office went viral on Indonesian social media.
Q3. Who confirmed the block?
A3. Alexander Sabar, the ministry’s director general, made the announcement on Friday.
Q4. Does any other country ban Polymarket?
A4. Countries like Singapore, Brazil, and India have completely banned the platform.
Other places, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Thailand, have set their own rules to control it.
Q5. Could other platforms face a similar fate?
A5. The ministry has signaled yes — any platform offering prediction market features is under review.
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