The Constitutional Court of Indonesia has granted a partial judicial review regarding expiring internet data quotas, ruling that telecommunication users hold economic rights over paid services that must remain protected. According to the ruling issued on Thursday, July 23, and announced by Chief Justice Suhartoyo, existing regulations fail to protect consumers from losing unused data quotas they have already purchased. The court established that carriers must ensure consumers can utilize their purchased internet data completely until it is exhausted, without any additional fees.
Constitutional Court Ruling on Case Number 273/PUU-XXIII/2025
The legal challenge, registered as Case Number 273/PUU-XXIII/2025, was submitted by online motorcycle taxi driver Didi Supandi, online culinary merchant Wahyu Triana Sari, and lecturer/advocate Rega Felix. According to the court’s consideration, the fundamental issue centers on whether consumers hold rights over the economic benefits of paid services rather than data as a physical object. The court stated that the economic value paid by telecommunication users must receive protection so that service benefits cannot be unilaterally terminated.
To prevent unused internet data from expiring, the court outlined six protective options that providers must offer to prepaid and postpaid customers. These options include data rollover or accumulation, active period extension, benefit transfer, compensation, refunds, or other forms of protection. Furthermore, the court emphasized that telecommunication companies cannot impose extra fees or tariffs under the pretext of extending active periods or any other reason.
Did You Know? The judicial review petition was formally filed by three individual citizens representing distinct professions: an online motorcycle taxi driver, an online culinary merchant, and a lecturer/advocate.
Parliamentary Response and Enforcement Expectations
House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I Deputy Chairman Dave Laksono stated that parliament respects the Constitutional Court decision. According to Laksono, the mandate requiring telecommunication providers to offer service options that preserve purchased internet quotas represents a positive step toward strengthening consumer protection and improving service quality in Indonesia.
Laksono noted that implementing the ruling falls under the authority of the government alongside telecommunication sector regulators. He expressed confidence that the government will prepare implementing regulations to provide legal certainty for both consumers and service providers, ensuring fair and effective execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed the judicial review regarding internet quotas?
The lawsuit was filed by online motorcycle taxi driver Didi Supandi, online culinary merchant Wahyu Triana Sari, and lecturer/advocate Rega Felix.
What options did the Constitutional Court provide to prevent data expiration?
The court outlined six methods: rollover or accumulation, active period extension, benefit transfer, compensation, refunds, or other protection forms.
Can telecommunication providers charge extra fees to extend data validity?
No, the court ruled that unused data must remain usable until exhausted without any additional fees, tariffs, or charges.
How will telecommunication providers adapt their billing systems to comply with these six mandatory options?