Friday, August 1, 2025
A formidable coalition of tech, telecoms and financial giants have joined hands to launch the Indonesia Chapter of a global anti scam alliance known as The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) in a major initiative aimed at fighting against an avalanche scams happening across its skies. The GASA chapter in Southeast Asia is the second to be launched, with a Singapore-based one opening its doors back in 2024. Key players in the collaboration are Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH), Mastercard, and Indonesia Fintech Association (AFTECH).
GASA, an influential international non-profit organization, serves as a global platform for collaboration between various sectors, including government entities, technology platforms, financial institutions, consumer protection groups, and civil society. The overarching goal of GASA is to unite these diverse stakeholders to combat online fraud, provide educational outreach, and foster innovative research, thereby reinforcing digital safety and consumer protection.
The Launch of GASA Indonesia Chapter: A Response to a Growing Crisis
Indonesia, one of Asia’s most rapidly expanding digital economies, faces a rising tide of cybercrime. According to GASA’s 2024 Asia Scam Report, an alarming 65 percent of Indonesians encounter scam attempts every week. These scams take various forms, such as phishing texts, fake job offers, and investment frauds, undermining trust in the digital ecosystem.
The GASA Indonesia chapter, with the theme “Securing Trust, Enabling Growth,” is a timely response to this growing digital menace. The chapter’s formation is a collaboration among a broad spectrum of organizations, with Indosat acting as the inaugural Chair and Mastercard and AFTECH serving as Vice-Chairs. Prominent members of the coalition include DANA, Google, GSMA, Meta, Shopee, and the Tech for Good Institute, among others. Together, these organizations aim to tackle the root causes of scams and fraud and create a safer digital environment for all Indonesians.
Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration
The chapter’s formation is the result of a shared commitment between Indosat and Mastercard to tackle cybercrime through a unified public-private partnership. Indosat, with its extensive network and expertise in AI, is a key player in rolling out digital inclusion initiatives and supporting on-the-ground efforts to protect Indonesian consumers from scams. Meanwhile, Mastercard, as a founding global member of GASA and Southeast Asia advisor, has been instrumental in bringing together local and international stakeholders to establish the Indonesia chapter.
The mission of GASA Indonesia is multifaceted, with a primary focus on fostering cross-sector collaboration. Key initiatives will include intelligence sharing, public education campaigns, and policy innovation to improve digital trust and safety. By aligning closely with key institutions such as the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) and the Financial Service Authority (OJK), GASA Indonesia ensures that both public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to strengthen the country’s defenses against scams.
A Key Initiative: Research on the ‘State of Scams in Indonesia’
As part of its efforts, GASA Indonesia is leading groundbreaking research on the “State of Scams in Indonesia.” This comprehensive study will offer fresh insights into the local threat landscape, consumer vulnerabilities, and emerging scam tactics. The research findings will equip stakeholders across various sectors with the necessary knowledge to develop effective preventive measures, thereby reducing the overall impact of scams in the country.
The GASA Indonesia chapter’s activities aim to position Indonesia as a regional leader in the battle against digital fraud, setting the stage for a safer and more secure digital future. The coalition is also focused on promoting consumer protection at a national level, driving awareness campaigns, conducting research, and fostering collaboration across industries to combat scams.
Indonesia’s Global Leadership in Anti-Scam Efforts
By joining GASA, Indonesia becomes part of a global network of leading organizations dedicated to tackling digital fraud. This collaboration solidifies Indonesia’s role as a leader in the fight against scams in the region, while showcasing its commitment to a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem.
The formation of GASA Indonesia chapter highlights the country’s proactive approach to tackling the growing cybercrime threat. As the initiative evolves, it is expected to further strengthen Indonesia’s digital resilience, ensuring that the country’s fast-paced digital economy continues to thrive securely and sustainably.
Conclusion: A Safer Digital Future for Indonesia
The creation of GASA Indonesia is a landmark in the country’s continuing work to challenge digital fraud and scam. Supported by prominent industry leaders such as Indosat, Mastercard and AFTECH, the initiative looks set to leave a lasting impression. Thanks to close collaboration across private and public sectors, deep research capabilities and a commitment never before seen in protecting consumers’ online experiences, GASA Indonesia will help lay the foundation for a more secure digital world here.
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