Indonesia tightens rules for digital platforms ^{CEFR B1}

Indonesia is stepping up regulation of global digital platforms as more people turn to the internet for news and information. In early March Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid and other officials inspected Meta’s office in South Jakarta. The visit was described as a follow-up to Article 40 of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), which directs the government to protect public safety from misinformation and disinformation. The minister pressed Meta for transparency about algorithms and content moderation.

Since 2020 technology companies must register as Electronic System Operators (PSE) or face sanctions, including warnings, fines and access blocking. Komdigi runs a takedown system called SAMAN that can compel platforms to remove content within 4–24 hours. Wikimedia was blocked after refusing to register.

Recent events show the rules are contested. In June 2025 some public accounts on X received notices for posts critical of the government. TikTok temporarily suspended live streaming during a national demonstration in September 2025 after Komdigi summoned the company, while the government denied issuing a direct order. Critics warn that definitions of harmful content vary between agencies and that takedowns and data requests raise human rights concerns.