Indonesia’s government has suspended TikTok’s registration to operate electronic systems after the company failed to provide full data related to its live-streaming feature, an official said on Friday. The suspension theoretically restricts TikTok’s operations in the country, which boasts more than 100 million users, though the app remained accessible as of Friday. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs has not yet clarified whether full access will be affected in the coming days.
Alexander Sabar, an official of the ministry, said some accounts connected to online gambling activities had misused TikTok’s live-stream feature during nationwide protests that erupted between late August and September over alleged police brutality and excessive parliamentary allowances. TikTok had temporarily suspended its live-streaming function during the unrest, saying it aimed to “keep TikTok a safe and civil space.”
Sabar explained that the ministry had requested TikTok’s traffic, streaming, and monetisation data for investigation purposes. However, TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, did not fully comply, citing internal procedures. “The communications and digital ministry deemed TikTok to have violated its obligations as a private electronic provider,” Sabar stated, leading to the suspension of its registration.
In response, a TikTok spokesperson said the company “respects the laws in the markets where it operates” and is engaging with Indonesian authorities to resolve the issue. Under Indonesia’s electronic licensing regulations, all registered digital service providers are required to submit data to the government for supervision. Failure to do so can result in temporary suspension or outright blocking of access to their platforms