Govt Ensures Security of Dormant Bank Accounts Amid Misuse Concerns

KBRN, Jakarta: Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan has responded to public concerns surrounding the proposed blocking of dormant bank accounts. He emphasized that the government guarantees the safety of customer funds held in the banking system and assures that no deposits will be lost.

"The government understands the public’s aspirations for protection and assurance over funds held in the banking sector. We are committed to safeguarding those rights,” Budi stated in a written release on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

He reiterated that the government is listening and responsive to community concerns. He confirmed that his office will coordinate with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) regarding the policy discourse.

“We are taking public concerns seriously. The Coordinating Ministry will work closely with PPATK and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that people’s financial assets are protected,” he said.

The initiative to temporarily block dormant accounts was introduced by PPATK following investigations into widespread misuse. Many inactive accounts have been linked to account trafficking and money laundering activities. Over the past decade, PPATK has identified more than 140,000 dormant accounts, with total holdings valued at approximately IDR 428.61 billion (USD 26.14 million).

In 2024 alone, the agency uncovered over 28,000 accounts used for online gambling deposits, many of which originated from account trading schemes.

PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana noted that this measure aligns with Law No. 8/2010 on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering. He explained that the policy forms part of the National Movement to Prevent and Eradicate Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing.

“We are working to safeguard dormant accounts based on verified banking data to prevent further abuse,” Ivan stated.

Frozen accounts may include personal or corporate savings accounts, checking accounts (giro), and both rupiah and foreign currency accounts. ***

Translator: Annaila Syafa Azzahra

Editor: Sri Wahyuni