Indonesia blocks Polymarket amid crackdown on prediction betting

Government classifies Polymarket as online gambling

Indonesia has blocked prediction market platform Polymarket as part of a broader campaign against online gambling, only days after the site attracted attention for hosting bets tied to the possible early end of President Prabowo Subianto’s term.

The country’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said Polymarket had been categorized as an online gambling service because its activities involve wagering and speculation on uncertain outcomes, placing it in violation of Indonesian law.

Political prediction market sparks controversy

The platform drew significant attention in Indonesia after a market appeared asking users to predict when Prabowo would be “out as president,” despite his official term extending through 2029.

The prediction market launched shortly after Prabowo announced a major initiative aimed at centralizing state control over strategic commodity exports, including coal and palm oil — a move that has fueled debate among investors and market observers.

Officials expand monitoring efforts

Authorities confirmed they are also reviewing social media channels and affiliated accounts connected to Polymarket as part of a broader effort to curb digital betting activities.

Officials stated that the measure seeks to protect the public from engaging in speculative financial behavior, emphasizing that betting on uncertain future events violates Indonesia’s current legal framework.

Global scrutiny grows around prediction platforms

Prediction market operators such as Polymarket have become part of a multibillion-dollar sector where users place bets on outcomes tied to politics, sports and world events.

However, regulators in several jurisdictions have questioned their legality. Earlier this year, Brazil also moved to block prediction platforms involving political, climate and cultural bets, arguing that they failed to comply with national regulations.