Many Indonesians open bank accounts but end up leaving them idle for months, even years. These unused or dormant accounts are now under serious scrutiny by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which has already frozen over 140,000 of them. These accounts, untouched for more than a decade, hold a staggering Rp428 billion.
But this is more than just a matter of passive accounts. Behind the data lies a larger risk: dormant accounts have become easy targets for money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes.
PPATK Launches Large-Scale Dormant Accounts Freeze
Social media has been buzzing in recent days with complaints from users whose bank accounts were suddenly frozen. According to PPATK, this enforcement began on May 15, 2025, as a proactive step to protect account holders and ensure national financial security.
“This action is grounded in Law No. 8 of 2010 on the Prevention and Eradication of Money Laundering Crimes,” said PPATK Head Ivan Yustiavandana in a statement to CNBC Indonesia.
Ivan emphasized that the funds in these accounts are not confiscated. “The account holder’s rights over their funds remain intact. These accounts are simply being protected from potential misuse by unauthorized parties,” he said.
The move follows PPATK’s discovery of an alarming rise in dormant accounts being sold illegally, hacked, or used for suspicious transactions without the owner’s consent. Temporarily freezing these accounts is seen as a necessary precaution.
What Is a Dormant Account?
A dormant account is a savings or checking account that has had no activity for a set period, usually between 3 and 12 months, depending on the bank’s policy. Dormant status can apply to:
- Personal or business savings accounts
- Checking (giro) accounts
- Accounts in both Indonesian rupiah and foreign currencies
Even without recent activity, these accounts are still recognized as active by banks. However, they may be blocked if found vulnerable to misuse or if customer data hasn’t been updated for a long time.
Who Should Be Cautious?
Anyone who rarely uses their account should take note. Expatriates and foreign business owners in particular are urged to monitor their accounts closely. Many open accounts in Indonesia for specific purposes, only to leave them inactive for months. This can lead to an increased risk of account blocking.
The dormant account freeze began on May 15, 2025, and is based on anti-money laundering legislation. Ivan explained that the initiative is part of the government’s effort to protect citizens from unauthorized access to their financial assets.
Importantly, the list of dormant accounts isn’t determined by PPATK but provided directly by banks based on their internal criteria. Ivan assured that no customer’s funds would be lost.
“Again, the account holder’s rights over the funds are preserved. We are only securing the account to prevent misuse,” Ivan reiterated.
PPATK uncovered a troubling trend: dormant accounts being bought and sold, hacked, drained of funds, or misused for illegal activities. The freeze, however, is only a safeguard—not a seizure.
How to Reactivate a Blocked Dormant Account
If your account has been blocked for inactivity, PPATK encourages you to submit a reactivation request.
Read also: Bali Shifts Focus to Land Preservation as 6 Cities Agree to Halt Hotel Development
After a review, the account can be used normally again. This includes accounts that were frozen after three or more months of inactivity.
Own a Bank Account in Indonesia? Keep It Active
For expatriates or global entrepreneurs, maintaining an active bank account in Indonesia is crucial. But opening a local account is often complicated by in-person requirements and bureaucracy.
To address this, Bizindo offers a practical solution. With our Open Bank Account Online service, you can legally and securely open an Indonesian bank account without being physically present. Their experienced team handles the paperwork and communicates directly with banks on your behalf.
Don’t risk having your account become dormant and blocked. Keep your financial activities smooth with Bizindo.
Contact Bizindo today to start your online account opening process—wherever you are.
20% off today. Whatsapp us!