Indonesian authorities have issued a fresh warning against online gambling and digital fraud as excitement builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging football fans to avoid illegal betting activity during the tournament.
Police officials said they are concerned that major sporting events such as the World Cup could trigger a rise in gambling-related crimes and online scams across the country, where all forms of gambling remain illegal under national law and Sharia-based restrictions.
Speaking during a press conference with state broadcaster TVRI, National Police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko called on supporters to enjoy the tournament responsibly and avoid becoming involved in unlawful betting schemes.
“We must jointly anticipate football gambling,” he said, warning that criminal groups may try to exploit public enthusiasm surrounding the World Cup.
Indonesia has intensified its crackdown on illegal online gambling in recent months amid growing concerns that operators displaced from Cambodia and other Southeast Asian markets are relocating their activities to the country.
Last week, Indonesian police raided a major operation in West Jakarta and arrested more than 320 foreign nationals allegedly connected to dozens of illegal gambling websites targeting overseas players. Authorities said the suspects came from several Asian countries, including Vietnam, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia.
Brigadier General Wira Satya Triputra from the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency said the operation was highly organized and relied on cross-border digital systems.
Police also said similar scam and gambling hubs have been identified in other Indonesian cities, including Surabaya, Batam and Denpasar.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, with global betting turnover expected to reach tens of billions of dollars during the competition.
Authorities in Indonesia are encouraging citizens to report suspicious online activity through public hotlines as part of broader efforts to combat illegal gambling networks and cybercrime ahead of the tournament.