Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has temporarily suspended TikTok’s registration as an electronic system provider due to the platform’s failure to hand over complete data related to its live-streaming feature during nationwide anti-government protests in August 2025. The decision, announced on October 3, 2025, stems from TikTok’s partial compliance with a government request for traffic, streaming, and monetization data, potentially risking a full block of the app if not resolved. For digital rights advocates, tech policy experts, and social media users searching Indonesia TikTok license suspension, TikTok data sharing protests 2025, or Komdigi TikTok violation, this action—enforced under Indonesia’s licensing rules for private electronic providers—underscores escalating global scrutiny on platforms’ obligations to share user data during politically sensitive events. With over 100 million Indonesian users (TikTok’s second-largest audience), the suspension highlights ByteDance’s challenges in navigating local regulations, following a $900,000 antitrust fine in September 2025 for its Tokopedia acquisition.
The ministry cited TikTok’s violation of supervisory obligations, which mandate full data disclosure or face access restrictions.
The Suspension: Data Refusal During Protests Leads to Action
The government’s request for data arose from TikTok’s live-streaming activities during the August 25-30, 2025, protests against lawmaker allowances and police brutality, where accounts linked to online gambling reportedly exploited the feature. TikTok paused live-streaming on August 30 to “keep TikTok a safe and civil space,” but provided only partial data by the September 23 deadline, citing internal policies on user privacy.
- Violation Details: Under Indonesia’s electronic system provider rules, licensed companies must submit data for government supervision; non-compliance risks suspension or blocking.
- Immediate Impact: The app remains accessible as of October 3, but the ministry could escalate to a full ban if unresolved.
- TikTok’s Response: A spokesperson affirmed respect for local laws and ongoing cooperation with Komdigi, without addressing specifics.
Alexander Sabar, a ministry director, stated: “TikTok violated its obligations as a private electronic provider,” emphasizing the need for full disclosure to prevent misuse.
| Timeline | Event | Government Action |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 25-30, 2025 | Nationwide Protests | Data Request Issued |
| Sep 16, 2025 | Ministry Summons TikTok | Deadline Set for Sep 23 |
| Sep 23, 2025 | Partial Data Submitted | Violation Confirmed |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Suspension Announced | Potential Block if Unresolved |
Broader Context: Indonesia’s Crackdown on Digital Platforms
Indonesia, TikTok’s second-largest market with over 100 million users, has intensified oversight on foreign apps:
- E-Commerce Ban: Suspended TikTok Shop in October 2023 over unfair competition.
- Antitrust Fine: $900,000 penalty in September 2025 for late Tokopedia acquisition notification.
- Global Precedent: Echoes India’s 2020 TikTok ban over data security, and US scrutiny on ByteDance.
The protests, sparked by a delivery driver’s death, amplified concerns over live-streaming’s role in misinformation and gambling.
Implications: Data Transparency vs. Platform Autonomy
This suspension could:
- Escalate to Block: Like Indonesia’s 2023 e-commerce halt, forcing TikTok to overhaul operations.
- Pressure ByteDance: Globally, it adds to US TikTok ban threats and EU DSA fines.
- User Impact: 100 million Indonesians risk losing access, affecting content creators and youth.
Digital rights groups like SAFEnet warn of “overreach,” while officials prioritize “supervision for public safety.”
Conclusion: TikTok’s Data Dilemma in Indonesia
Indonesia’s TikTok license suspension over data-sharing failures during protests is a stark reminder of platforms’ regulatory tightrope. As Komdigi enforces compliance, ByteDance must balance privacy with cooperation. For users, it’s uncertainty—will the app survive? The streams hang in balance. reuters
