Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, led an inspection of Meta’s South Jakarta office in early March to demand stricter compliance with national laws. The move follows Article 40 of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), which mandates that the government protect public safety and interests from disruptions caused by disinformation and misinformation.
The Struggle for Digital Control
The inspection of Meta’s office highlights a broader effort by the Indonesian government to assert authority over global digital platforms. During the visit, Minister Hafid requested transparency regarding Meta’s content moderation practices and the algorithms it employs.
Although, critics and watchdogs point to significant ambiguity in the laws used to regulate speech. Terms such as “disturbing the public,” “violating propriety,” and “attacking honor” are often used without clear definitions, leading to concerns about the targeting of critical content.
In June 2025, several public accounts on platform X were notified that their posts violated the law. Watchdogs argue that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) requested the removal of posts from accounts like @perupadata and @neohistoria_id because they contained criticisms of the government.
Regulatory Frameworks and Sanctions
Since 2020, the government has required technology companies to register as Electronic System Operators (PSE). Those that fail to register face administrative sanctions, including warnings, fines, or having their access blocked by internet service providers.
This registration requirement has already had tangible effects. Alia Yofira, a researcher at Purplecode, noted that Wikimedia’s system was blocked after the organization refused to register as a PSE.
Beyond registration, the government has influenced platform features during times of unrest. In September 2025, TikTok temporarily suspended its “live” feature during national demonstrations. While TikTok described the move as voluntary after a summons from Komdigi, the government denied issuing a direct order.
Similarly, following large-scale protests in August 2025, platforms like Instagram and TikTok disabled “live” features. Reports indicate that Komdigi requested data on users who were monetizing their livestreams during these events.
A History of Media Governance
This current push for platform governance mirrors older patterns of state control in Indonesia. Prior to the 1998 Reformasi period, the Suharto regime tightly controlled the press through bureaucratic oversight and political licensing to limit critical reporting.
Following Reformasi, control shifted toward media ownership. Researcher Merlyna Lim’s “The League of Thirteen” report documents how a small number of conglomerates now dominate the media landscape, often aligning coverage with the political interests of their owners.
Regional Dynamics in Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s experience reflects a wider regional trend of tension between hybrid regimes and tech giants. In Cambodia in 2023, Prime Minister Hun Sen deleted his Facebook account and moved to TikTok and Telegram after the Meta Oversight Board recommended a six-month suspension for his account due to threats of violence.
In Myanmar, Meta faced severe criticism for its failure to moderate Burmese-language content, which the United Nations found played a “significant role” in spreading hatred against the Rohingya. Despite lawsuits seeking USD 150 billion, U.S. Law—specifically Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—has largely shielded Meta from paying damages.
What May Happen Next
The relationship between the Indonesian government and global platforms is likely to remain a negotiation of power rather than a one-way directive. The government may continue to utilize the threat of access blocking and the SAMAN system to compel compliance.
Platforms could respond by balancing legal and reputational risks against the economic benefit of operating in Indonesia. A possible next step may involve further pressure for algorithmic transparency as the state seeks to align digital content with its definitions of public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the PSE registration?
According to the government, the Electronic System Operator (PSE) registration policy aims to ensure personal data protection and prevent the spread of harmful content.
Why did the government inspect Meta’s office?
The inspection was conducted because Meta was considered not fully compliant with Indonesian regulations, specifically regarding the spread of disinformation and the requirements of Article 40 of the UU ITE law.
How did Meta handle the dispute with Cambodia’s Hun Sen?
Meta removed a video of Hun Sen that violated violence policies following a recommendation from the Meta Oversight Board, but the company did not suspend his account, likely to avoid escalating conflict with the Cambodian government.
Do you believe global platforms should follow the local laws of every country they operate in, even when those laws are ambiguously defined?
