TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Investment Watch Task Force has discovered that many illegal online lending service providers operating in Indonesia used servers based abroad, such as in the United States, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.

"Based on our monitoring in 2019, from 1,300 illegal online loan platforms, many used servers based in the US, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. But most of them are in Indonesia," said Tongam in Central Jakarta on Friday, September 16, 2022.

Tongam stopped short of detailing the number. However, he said that there are many more illegal lending platforms that have not been detected yet. "Because the offers are made via SMS, WhatsApp, and Facebook."

In August 2022, the task force recorded 71 illegal lending platforms. From August 2018 to August 2022, the task force shut down 4,160 unlicensed platforms. However, the practice remained rampant in the community.

"The Investment Watch Task Force receives complaints every day. Although some of the perpetrators have been brought to justice, it seems that they are not deterred," Tongam said.

Tongam encouraged law enforcement officials to keep hunting and arresting perpetrators of illegal online lending services. The public is also advised to be aware of all forms of illegal investment or loan offers.

People can consult or report suspicious online investment or loan offers to the Financial Service Authority’s (OJK) hotline 157 or email konsumen@ojk.go.id, or waspadainvestasi@ojk.go.id.

“We keep educating the public and cooperate with Google, Kominfo to conduct cyber patrols, as well as public transportation, MRT, KRL, KAI to spread awareness," Tongam concluded.

ARRIJAL RACHMAN

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