TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Communication and Digital (Komdigi) Minister Meutya Hafid has firmly denied any government plan to restrict internet-based voice and video call services, including Voice over IP (VoIP) like WhatsApp Call. According to Meutya, the circulating information on this matter is misleading.
"I emphasize that the government is not designing or considering restrictions on WhatsApp Call. The circulating information is untrue and misleading," she said in a written release on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Meutya clarified that the Komdigi Ministry did receive proposals from various groups, such as the All-Indonesian Telecommunications Service Providers Association (ATSI) and the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel). These groups shared their perspectives on regulating the digital ecosystem, including the relationship between over-the-top (OTT) service providers and network operators.
However, she stressed that these proposals have never been discussed in any policy forum nor included in the ministry's official agenda. "I apologize if there is unrest in the community," said the Golkar Party politician.
Meutya has directed relevant authorities to immediately clarify the issue internally and to ensure no policies are introduced that aim to restrict digital services.
She added that her ministry is currently focused on national priority agendas, ranging from expanding internet access in remote areas and increasing digital literacy to strengthening security and data protection in the digital space.
Previously, the telecommunication company PT Jasnita Telekomindo Tbk. (JAST) responded to what it believed was a government plan to restrict VoIP services in Indonesia. VoIP is a technology that facilitates voice and multimedia calls over the internet, rather than through traditional telephone lines or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
JAST Corporate Secretary Nathania Olinda said that the company was prepared to participate in such a policy. "With more than 25 years of experience in VoIP and cloud communication technology, PT Jasnita Telekomindo Tbk. welcomes and is ready to actively support the implementation of this policy," she said in a disclosure to the Indonesia Stock Exchange on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Nathania explained that this regulation aimed to limit the number of licensed VoIP providers, requiring unlicensed providers to cease their services. She also highlighted that the regulation emphasized the importance of licensing, as stipulated in Law No. 36 of 1999 and the Komdigi Ministerial Regulation No. 13 of 2019 and its revisions.
Therefore, Nathania concluded that the primary purpose of this regulation was to maintain order in the telecommunications market, protect consumer rights, and ensure the security and quality of national communication services.
"The government emphasizes that this regulation aims to ensure that only service providers that meet technical, security, and legal standards can operate," she said.
Adil Al Hasan contributed to this report
Editor's Choice: Parliament Wants Stricter Control Over SIM Cards Used for Online Gambling
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Parliament Wants Stricter Control Over SIM Cards Used for Online Gambling
11 hari lalu
House of Commission I member Frederik Kalalembang pointed out that online gambling has increased due to the lack of SIM card registration supervision.
AGO Signs Wiretapping Deals with Telco Operators to Support Crime Investigation
22 hari lalu
The wiretapping agreements, the AGO said, reflect the agency's duty in investigation, security, and information gathering for law enforcement.
U.S. House Bans WhatsApp from All Staffers' Devices
24 hari lalu
The U.S. Cyber Security Office has categorized WhatsApp as a high-risk application.
Iranians Urged to Delete WhatsApp Over Fear of Data Sharing with Israel
29 hari lalu
The Iranian government has issued a statement urging its citizens not to use WhatsApp amidst the conflict with Israel.
Dubai's EDGNEX to Invest US$2.3bn in Indonesian Data Center Construction
29 hari lalu
The investment will be used to build a modern data center infrastructure on a 12-hectare land in the Cikarang industrial area.
WhatsApp Officially Begins Displaying Business Ads
30 hari lalu
WhatsApp now displays business ads in the Status feature, introducing a new experience that does not disrupt users' private conversations.
Indonesian Ministry Orders World App to Permanently Delete Citizens' Biometric Data
30 hari lalu
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has ordered the World app to cease its data collection activities.
WhatsApp to Let Users Hide Phone Numbers with New Username Privacy Feature
46 hari lalu
With this feature, WhatsApp users can choose a unique handle, as has been implemented by Telegram, Signal, and various other messaging services.
Indonesia Targets 36 Unregistered Private PSE for Possible Ban
48 hari lalu
The Indonesian government warns 36 private PSE entities that have not registered or updated their registration data
Indonesia Lifts Block on Archive.org Following Compliance on 'Harmful Content' Removal
50 hari lalu
The previously inaccessible archive.org website has been restored. The website was blocked by the Indonesian government.
