Minister Warns of China’s Growing Grip on Indonesia's Digital Marketplaces
Jakarta. Indonesia is considering policy measures to curb the growing dominance of Chinese products and platforms in its digital marketplace ecosystem, following the integration of Tokopedia with TikTok Shop.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Saturday that the government is assessing ways to prevent domestic e-commerce platforms from being overtaken by foreign interests, particularly those linked to China.
“If this continues without intervention, it would be as if we are handing over our domestic market directly to China,” Purbaya told reporters after Eid prayers in Jakarta.
Concerns have intensified since Tokopedia, one of Indonesia’s largest marketplaces, came under majority ownership of ByteDance, the Chinese technology company behind TikTok. The firm acquired a 75% stake in Tokopedia in 2023 for more than $1.5 billion and has since integrated the platform with TikTok Shop.
The move marked a significant shift in Indonesia’s e-commerce landscape, especially after TikTok Shop had previously been banned for operating beyond its license as a social media platform.
Purbaya said he has received numerous public complaints regarding the increasing prevalence of low-cost imported goods from China across local platforms.
The government is now formulating strategies to ensure a more balanced digital trade ecosystem, aiming to strengthen competition between domestic and imported products while safeguarding national economic interests.
“We want to encourage local businesses so that domestic products can compete and regain prominence in our marketplaces,” he said.
The Tokopedia–TikTok integration is expected to intensify competition in Indonesia’s e-commerce sector, posing a challenge to Shopee, which currently holds around 50% market share. The Singapore-based platform has maintained its dominance through aggressive pricing, live shopping features, and fast delivery services across Southeast Asia.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Indonesia Seeks Fast-Track Panda Bond Approval from China
Indonesia secured China's support for a planned Panda Bond issuance to diversify funding and expand its investor base.Beijing Backs Indonesia’s Yuan-Denominated Bond Issuance: Purbaya
Indonesia secured China’s support for its planned Panda Bond issuance, aimed at diversifying funding sources in yuan.Purbaya Takes on $17 Billion in New AIIB Debt for Infrastructure Projects
Indonesia secures $17 billion in AIIB financing and welcomes plans for a Jakarta representative office.Purbaya Courts Chinese Investors Ahead of Panda Bond Issuance
Indonesia is turning to China’s bond market to diversify funding sources and deepen bilateral financial cooperation.Purbaya Yet to Assess Subsidy Impact of Potential Shift to Pertalite
Purbaya says the government has not assessed the fiscal impact of a potential shift from Pertamax to subsidized Pertalite.Indonesia Targets Up to 6.5% Growth and 2.4% Budget Deficit in 2027
Indonesia has set a 2027 economic growth target of up to 6.5% while maintaining a budget deficit below the legal ceiling of 3% of GDP.Indonesia Aims for Rp 16,800-17,500 Rupiah in 2027 Budget
Indonesia targets inflation of 1.5%-3.5% and a rupiah range of Rp 16,800-17,500 per US dollar under its agreed 2027 state budget framework.Finance Minister Expects Rupiah to Recover to Rp 16,800–17,500 Range in 2027
Indonesia expects the rupiah to strengthen in 2027 as policymakers seek to preserve economic and financial-market stability.Purbaya Signals Further Budget Tightening in 2027 Amid Rising Spending Commitments
For 2027, the government has set a budget deficit target of between 1.8% and 2.4% of gross domestic product.Finance Minister Pushes Back Against ‘Sell Indonesia’ Narrative
Indonesia’s finance minister dismissed the “sell Indonesia” narrative, saying the country’s fiscal position and economy remain strong.The Latest
Dear Mr. President, Don’t Skip ASEAN Summits
Despite calls for Prabowo to stay home, the Indonesian leader still needs to attend ASEAN summits.PLN Rushes Coal Supplies After Power Outages Hit Java
PLN is rushing to secure coal supplies after shortages triggered rolling blackouts across Java, disrupting businesses and daily life.Japan-Backed ADB Invests in Indonesia’s Human Capital
As many as 399 Indonesian awardees have joined the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program from 1988 to 2024.Indonesian Stocks Rise Despite Foreign Outflows as MSCI Review Looms
Indonesia's JCI rose 2.8% as easing geopolitical tensions offset foreign outflows, MSCI concerns and rupiah pressures.World Cup 2026: Paraguay Holds Off Turkey With 10 Men to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Matias Galarza scored after 65 seconds as 10-man Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0, eliminating the Turks and securing first place for the US.Most Popular
