TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Businesses oppose plan to tighten curbs on online platforms

Businesses have voiced concern over government plans to subject a hefty fine to internet and social media companies operating in Indonesia for noncompliance in taking down unlawful content.

Vincent Fabian Thomas (The Jakarta Post)
Premium
Jakarta
Tue, April 5, 2022 Published on Mar. 31, 2022 Published on 2022-03-31T18:34:34+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
A smartphone is being operated in front of the Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon logos in Hédé-Bazouges, western France, on Sept. 28, 2017, A smartphone is being operated in front of the Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon logos in Hédé-Bazouges, western France, on Sept. 28, 2017, (AFP/Damien Meyer)

B

usinesses have voiced their opposition to government plans to introduce tough new curbs for online platforms, arguing that the move would hurt the country's digital economic growth and deter investment.

The plans are outlined in a proposed government regulation (PP) on non-tax state revenue (PNBP). The new rule is expected to impose fines ranging from Rp 12.5 million (US$871.83) to Rp 1.5 billion per "prohibited content" that platforms do not take down in time.

The Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the country's top business group, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that business had taken issue with the hefty fines, the absence of an appeal mechanism and the ambiguous definition of "prohibited content".

“Imposing such a large fine could hamper Indonesia's economic digital development,” said Kadin deputy chairman on communications and information, Firlie Ganinduto.

The new regulation states that private electronic system providers (ESP) have four hours to take down "urgent" unlawful content such as child pornography and 24 hours to take down other unlawful content, or the company will be penalized.

Read also: Govt to impose fines against ‘errant’ Big Tech

The Jakarta Post - Newsletter Icon

Prospects

Every Monday

With exclusive interviews and in-depth coverage of the region's most pressing business issues, "Prospects" is the go-to source for staying ahead of the curve in Indonesia's rapidly evolving business landscape.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

The scope of "unlawful content" also includes content deemed by the government to be a disturbance to "the community [and] public order" and educating netizens on how to access prohibited content, as defined though Communications and Information Ministerial Regulation No. 5/2020 on private ESPs.

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.