Indonesia has temporarily suspended TikTok’s operating licence after the social media platform declined to fully share data from its live streaming activity during nationwide protests in August.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said TikTok provided only partial data, despite repeated requests for full disclosure between 25 and 30 August, when demonstrations intensified following the death of a delivery driver.
The suspension marks one of the most significant regulatory steps by Jakarta against a global platform, highlighting tensions over data transparency and government oversight of digital platforms in Southeast Asia.
Government demands during protests
The protests in late August led authorities to seek information from TikTok on live streaming activities across Indonesia. The ministry said the data request was formally issued during the 25–30 August period.
On 16 September, officials summoned TikTok for direct clarification, giving the company until 25 September to provide the complete records.
According to the ministry, TikTok responded in a letter dated 23 September, stating it had internal rules governing the disclosure of user data and therefore could not provide full access.
Officials concluded that the company had failed to comply with its obligations as a licensed private electronic system operator in the country.
TikTok suspension announced
In a statement on Friday, Alexander Sabar, a director general at the ministry, said the government was enforcing temporary suspension measures against TikTok as part of its supervisory role.
Authorities did not specify how long the suspension would remain in effect, though the app is still accessible in Indonesia at present.
TikTok has not issued an immediate response to the announcement. The decision comes at a time when regulators globally are scrutinising how social media companies share information with governments, particularly during politically sensitive events.
Temporary halt in live streaming
The ministry noted that TikTok had already paused its live streaming feature on 30 August, when protests escalated across several Indonesian cities. The feature was reinstated several days later as tensions eased.
The government’s decision to suspend TikTok’s operating licence follows what it considers a breach of cooperation, raising questions over the balance between platform policies and state requirements during times of unrest.
Wider implications for Indonesia’s digital sector
Indonesia is one of TikTok’s largest markets, with millions of daily users relying on the platform for entertainment, news, and commerce.
The suspension underscores the growing regulatory risks that global tech companies face in large emerging economies, where governments are increasingly demanding access to data during security incidents.
The ministry has not given a timeline for resolving the dispute, but the move signals that compliance with national data requests is becoming a core requirement for operating in Indonesia’s fast-expanding digital ecosystem.
With TikTok remaining accessible for now, the suspension primarily affects its legal standing, though it may be extended to operations if no resolution is reached.
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