Indonesia blocks Polymarket for violating gambling laws after market on president's exit amid global scrutiny

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital moved to block access to Polymarket, saying the platform violated national laws by enabling wagers on uncertain political and economic outcomes; the action was described as part of a widening national enforcement effort against online betting services ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

The prohibition followed the creation of a market contract that speculated on President Prabowo Subianto’s departure from office, an event that drew public attention and prompted regulators to act; officials emphasized that the use of blockchain technology or cryptocurrencies does not alter the fundamental nature of wagering ^{[3] [2]}.

Authorities also began tracing social media accounts affiliated with the platform as part of enforcement, and observers noted Indonesia’s move adds to a growing list of jurisdictions restricting Polymarket amid global scrutiny of crypto-based prediction and betting platforms ^{[1] [4] [3]}.

The action underscores intensifying regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets built on blockchain, with Indonesia joining other nations in curbing access to Polymarket on gambling‑law grounds ^{[2] [4]}.