25.05.2026 11:54

Indonesia has taken decisive action by blocking access to the prediction platform Polymarket, a move directly linked to betting activities surrounding President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Authorities justified the restriction by invoking the nation’s strict anti-gambling legislation, framing the platform’s operations as illegal wagering rather than legitimate market forecasting.

The prohibition specifically targets wagers connected to Prabowo’s political trajectory, including speculation about his potential cabinet appointments and policy directions. This intervention highlights Jakarta’s firm stance against any form of gambling, extending even to digital platforms that operate in legal gray areas internationally.

Globally, prediction markets like Polymarket are encountering mounting regulatory pressure, with governments increasingly scrutinizing their resemblance to betting mechanisms. Indonesia’s decision aligns with a broader international trend where such platforms face bans or restrictions, often justified by concerns over financial speculation and social harm.

The blockade underscores the tension between innovative forecasting tools and established legal frameworks, particularly in jurisdictions with conservative gambling policies. As similar platforms draw attention from regulators worldwide, the case of Polymarket in Indonesia serves as a notable example of how political sensitivities can accelerate governmental intervention in digital prediction markets.