Indonesia lifted the suspension of Tiktok’s local operating license on Saturday after the platform shared data requested by the government.
Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images
Indonesia has restored its Tiktok local operating license after sharing government-requested data that was linked to the national protest between late August and September.
Tiktok provided requested data on “Traffic Escalation and Tiktok Live Maletization Activity” from August 25th to August 30th via an official letter dated October 3rd, said Alexander Sabar, an official at the Ministry of Communications and Digital, Indonesia.
Government officials temporarily stripped off their social media platform as registered electronic systems operator late Friday after failing to submit full data on request.
“While this freeze lifts Tiktok users can continue their normal activities, the government ensures that the digital space is healthy, safe and transparent,” according to an official government press release.
Indonesia is the main market for Tiktok, with over 100 million users. The suspension of Tiktok’s local business licenses raised concerns about the government’s control over freedom of speech under President Prabowo Suboant’s administration.
However, Indonesian civil servants said the government would need data to track accounts related to online gambling that monetizes Tiktok’s livestream functionality during anti-government protests against cost of living, lawmakers’ privileges and police brutality.
On August 25th, thousands of citizens gathered outside the country’s parliament to protest the perks given to politicians. For example, it is said to be almost 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta, the country’s largest city.
Later that week, a massive demonstration escalated after a delivery driver reportedly fled and killed by a Jakarta police vehicle.
The incident sparked public outrage and a wave of violent and deadly demonstrations across the country. The reports say protesters targeted lawmakers’ homes, looted property and burned government buildings.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs and Tiktok did not respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
