Indonesia has suspended TikTok’s operating license after the Chinese-owned platform refused to share data linked to recent anti-government protests, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs announced Friday.
With more than 100 million users, Indonesia is TikTok’s second-largest market globally. But officials say the company failed to comply with repeated requests for detailed information about activity on its live-streaming feature, particularly during mass demonstrations in August.
“The suspension reflects the government’s firm stance after TikTok only provided partial data,” said Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision. Authorities specifically sought traffic and monetization data from accounts suspected of facilitating online gambling.
The ministry gave TikTok until September 23 to hand over the information, but said the deadline passed without full cooperation.
TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, said it was engaging with Indonesian authorities while upholding its commitment to user privacy and safety. “We respect the laws in every market where we operate,” a spokesperson said.
Despite the suspension order, TikTok’s live feature remained accessible Friday evening.
The company has faced a series of regulatory hurdles in Indonesia. In August, it briefly suspended its live-streaming option following violent protests sparked by the death of a man struck by a police vehicle.
Earlier this week, the country’s antitrust watchdog fined TikTok $900,000 for failing to properly disclose its acquisition of e-commerce giant Tokopedia.
TikTok’s e-commerce operations have also been restricted. In 2023, the government banned its in-app shopping service to protect small businesses.
TikTok later struck a deal to acquire a 75% stake in Tokopedia, merging their online retail platforms in an effort to regain ground.
About the Author
