Indonesia Goes Full‑Throttle on Big Tech – Register or Get Blocked
On July 18, Indonesia’s Communications Minister Johnny G. Plate slid a stern message to news outlets: If your platform doesn’t register under the newly tightened licensing rules, you’re out of luck. The clock’s ticking—any non‑compliant app faces an immediate black‑listing, and the damage could hit your services within hours.
What’s the Big Idea?
Those rules, first kicked off in November 2020, give the government a free‑wheel to order any online service to take down content that’s deemed illegal or downright “crazy for society.” If the situation is urgent, the system can act in as little as four hours; otherwise, it’s a full twenty‑four‑hour hand‑shake.
Who’s Already Gone Ahead of the Curve?
- Domestic firms: about 5,900 have already signed up.
- Foreign players: roughly 108 have bothered to register.
- Popular picks among the signed‑ups include TikTok and Spotify.
Big Names Still Missing In Action
Despite being giants on the global stage, Google, Twitter, and Meta (Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp) haven’t filed their paperwork yet. Reaching out? No luck so far—spokespersons remained MIA.
Why It Matters For You
The licensing system isn’t a toy. Anyone running an electronic service—national or overseas—must be on the list. And if the police or intelligence agencies feel uneasy, the government can even demand that your platform hand over user messages and personal data.
Officially, the ministry says it’s all about safeguarding consumer privacy and keeping the net a “positive” space. Critics, however, fear it could drape a “waking nightmare” over freedom of expression.
Public Rant – The Freedom‑of‑Expression Angle
“This is probably the most repressive regulation of its kind in the region,” warned Nenden Arum from the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network. States that these rules could suppress civil liberties and stifle the youthful, tech‑savvy 270‑million‑strong populace.
Some Analysts Take a Measure of Skepticism
Will the government actually block unregistered giants right away? Many doubt it, citing the deep integration of platforms like Facebook and Twitter in daily life—including by government officials. History shows that the ban might come later, if at all.
The Numbers That Matter
- Over 191 million people use social media across Indonesia, as of February 2022.
- Only China and India have more social‑media users in the Asia‑Pacific circus.
Bottom line: If you’re running an online service in Indonesia, sign up fast—or risk the whole thing sliding off the digital freeway.
