Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has blocked access to Polymarket, declaring the crypto-based prediction market a form of online gambling under local law.
Officials say they are cutting access to the platform and tracking affiliated social media accounts for further restrictions. Alexander Sabar, director general of digital space supervision, stated that wagering on uncertain outcomes remains gambling, regardless of the use of blockchain or crypto assets.
Polymarket allows users to trade contracts on real-world events like elections, sports, and crypto prices. The platform has grown into one of the largest crypto prediction markets, but regulators in several countries view it as gambling.
Indonesia’s move follows a broader Asian crackdown. India recently blocked Polymarket, and the platform is also banned in Singapore, Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, China, Japan, and Ukraine. The ministry is urging citizens to avoid digital betting activities, citing potential financial losses and legal violations.