Jakarta. Indonesia has temporarily frozen TikTok’s operating license after the short-video platform failed to provide complete data on its live-streaming activities during nationwide protests in late August.

The Communications and Digital Ministry on Friday said the company submitted only partial data despite repeated requests for information on traffic, monetization, and the use of its gifting feature between Aug. 25 and 30. On Aug. 30, TikTok voluntarily suspended its TikTok Live service in Indonesia, citing safety concerns.

“This suspension was imposed because TikTok did not fulfill its obligations under Indonesian law,” said Alexander Sabar, the ministry’s director general for digital space supervision. He warned that unless the company complies within seven days of the temporary freeze, the government could move to block access entirely.

Authorities said the measure aims to protect national sovereignty in the digital space and guard against misuse of online platforms, particularly by minors. “This is not just administrative. It is about protecting the public and ensuring Indonesia’s digital transformation remains fair, safe, and accountable,” Sabar said.

During the protests, Jakarta police had already urged the public not to livestream on TikTok or other social media platforms during mass labor demonstrations outside the House of Representatives (DPR) complex on Aug. 28. Officials said live broadcasts risked being exploited for profit or used by provocateurs to incite unrest.

Lawmakers, however, cautioned against moves that could disrupt Indonesia’s growing digital economy. Dave Laksono, a member of Parliament’s Commission I, said TikTok had become an essential marketplace for millions of small businesses.

“Law enforcement should not kill a productive digital ecosystem, but instead improve governance,” he said, urging the company to act transparently.

Indonesia is one of TikTok’s largest markets, with more than 100 million users.

The freeze comes just days after Indonesia’s antitrust watchdog fined TikTok 15 billion rupiah (about 900,000 dollars) for failing to promptly report its acquisition of local e-commerce giant Tokopedia. TikTok acquired a 75.01 percent stake in early 2024, while GoTo retained 24.99 percent. Regulators said the company had until March 19, 2024, to file a report but missed the deadline.

The KPPU said TikTok’s cooperation during the investigation helped reduce the penalty. The acquisition allowed TikTok Shop to relaunch in Indonesia after the government banned social media platforms from conducting direct e-commerce in 2023.

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