Suspension decision follows 'TikTok's decision to provide incomplete data on TikTok Live activities during unrest' on Aug. 25-30, says government official

TikTok halted livestream function during protests in August that killed at least 10 people

Indonesia on Friday froze TikTok's operation license over its non-compliance with the country's regulation requirements by not providing adequate data on its livestream activities during the recent protests.

"This step reflects the government's firm response to TikTok's decision to provide incomplete data on TikTok Live activities during the unrest between August 25 and 30, 2025," said Alexander Sabar, Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry's director general of digital space monitoring, as cited by the state-run news agency Antara.

TikTok had suspended its livestream activities during the protests in August, as part of "security measures."

At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured — including police officers — during the protests, which initially began in opposition to proposed increases in lawmakers’ allowances. The situation escalated after a motorcycle taxi driver was struck and killed by an armored police vehicle in Jakarta on Aug. 28, sparking riots in several provinces.

In Jakarta, demonstrators torched police stations and government buildings, destroyed dozens of vehicles, shattered windows, leveled guard posts, and injured officers by hurling stones.

Sabar stated that the decision was taken after the company refused to disclose data on traffic information and the monetization of livestreaming activities, amid allegations of online gambling content increasing on the platform.

"We summoned TikTok for direct clarification on September 16 and urged it to submit complete data no later than September 23," he said, adding that TikTok refused to submit the data by the deadline, due to its internal data-use policies and procedures.

Sabar said the government's request was based on a regulation necessitating platforms to grant authorities access to systems and data for oversight purposes.

"Bearing that in mind, we at the ministry view TikTok as having violated its obligations as a Private Electronic System. In response, we decided to temporarily freeze its Private Electronic System Operators in line with our monitoring responsibility," Sabar said.

Jakarta had also fined TikTok nearly $900,000 last month over its late reporting of acquiring the online marketplace Tokopedia. (AA)