Indonesia Blocks Polymarket: Prabowo Bets Too Spicy for Komdigi

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Well, well, well. Looks like Indonesia just said, “Nope, not today, Satan!” to Polymarket after folks started betting on whether President Prabowo Subianto would peace out early. Spoiler alert: Komdigi was not having it.

  • Indonesia blocked Polymarket because apparently betting on a president’s exit strategy is a no-no. Who knew?
  • Komdigi called it online gambling, which is like calling a cupcake a vegetable-technically incorrect but they’re standing by it.
  • This ban joins India’s “No Fun Allowed” club, because global pressure is the new black.

According to Reuters, more countries are treating crypto-based prediction markets like they’re the office gossip-unreliable and probably illegal. Go figure.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (aka Komdigi, because who has time for full names?) declared, “The government will not allow any form of online gambling in Indonesia.” Alexander Sabar basically said, “We’re here to ruin your fun, one website at a time.”

Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital Republik Indonesia resmi memblokir akses ke Polymarket yang terindikasi memfasilitasi aktivitas taruhan berbasis uang atas hasil atau peristiwa yang belum pasti.

– Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital (@kemkomdigi) May 23, 2026

Prabowo Bets: The Final Straw for Komdigi

The drama started when Polymarket launched a contract asking, “Will Prabowo still be president by [insert date here]?” Because nothing says “trust in leadership” like betting on their exit date.

Traders threw around $46,000 at this, pricing a 1% chance of Prabowo leaving by May 31, 2% by June 30, and a whopping 15% by Dec. 31, 2026. Spoiler alert: He’s probably staying put.

Polymarket’s rules said the contract would resolve to “Yes” if Prabowo stopped being president for any reason-resignation, removal, detention, or “suddenly decided to become a monk.” You know, the usual.

Komdigi: “It’s Gambling, Not Fortune Telling”

Komdigi didn’t just stop at the Prabowo market. They called out Polymarket for being a platform where people bet on uncertain events. Shocking, I know.

Sabar explained that betting on uncertain outcomes is against Indonesian law. Because apparently, predicting the future is only allowed if you’re a fortune cookie.

The ministry said the block was to protect the public, especially young users. Because nothing says “digital safety” like blocking a website instead of teaching media literacy.

India’s Ban: The Trendsetter

Indonesia followed India’s lead, because if one country bans something, it’s only a matter of time before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon. Peer pressure, am I right?

India called crypto-based prediction markets “prohibited online money gaming services” under its 2025 gaming law. They also had concerns about stablecoin payments and offshore betting. Because nothing screams “fun” like regulatory concerns.

Argentina, Colombia, and Romania also joined the party, treating Polymarket like the unwanted guest at a dinner party.

Prediction Markets: The New Black Sheep

Meanwhile, in the U.S., prediction markets are having their own drama. Kalshi is backing a new advocacy group called Americans for Fair Markets, because nothing says “fair” like lobbying for federal rules.

U.S. lawmakers are probing Kalshi and Polymarket over user checks and suspicious trading controls. Because apparently, people with insider info might be profiting. Shocking, I know.

And let’s not forget the CFTC officials who got suspended or pushed out for questioning prediction market firms. Because nothing says “transparency” like a New York Times exposé.

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2026-05-25 15:06