Jakarta. The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry (Komdigi) revealed that a majority of online gambling sites blocked by the government rely on Cloudflare’s infrastructure to mask their illegal operation.

According to ministry data, more than 76 percent of 10,000 illegal gambling websites taken down between Nov. 1–2, 2025 were using Cloudflare services, primarily to obscure their server IP addresses and swiftly rotate domains to evade government blocking.

Alexander Sabar, Director General for Digital Space Oversight, said the findings highlight the importance of Indonesia’s mandatory Electronic System Operator (PSE) registration framework, which requires digital platforms, both domestic and foreign, to formally register before operating in the country.

“PSE registration is not merely an administrative process, but a crucial foundation for ensuring a healthy and responsible digital ecosystem,” Alexander said. Without valid PSE status, he added, coordinating enforcement actions against prohibited content such as online gambling becomes significantly more difficult.

Cloudflare Asked to Clarify, Ordered to Register

The ministry said it has summoned Cloudflare to provide clarification on the widespread use of its services by illegal gambling operators and to demand the company’s full compliance with PSE registration rules.

Alexander warned that platforms that continue to ignore government notifications may face administrative penalties, including potential access termination.

Cloudflare is among 25 domestic and global digital service providers that received formal warnings on Tuesday for failing to complete registration under Indonesia’s PSE regulations. The list includes major international companies such as OpenAI, Duolingo, Dropbox, Shutterstock, and Getty Images, all of which operate widely in Southeast Asia’s largest digital market.

Authorities stressed that enforcement efforts must be proportional, acknowledging that many essential public and commercial services depend on Cloudflare’s architecture for security and performance. Nevertheless, the ministry insists that regulatory compliance is non-negotiable.

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