Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has urged social media platforms operating in Indonesia to open local offices, citing regulatory compliance and global norms.

“Almost all countries require platforms to establish offices—Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia. It’s normal and reasonable,” Nezar said in Jakarta, Friday.

He noted Indonesia’s vast market, with nearly 300 million people and 80 percent internet penetration, and stressed that OTT services benefiting from it must follow local rules.

While no sanctions were mentioned, Nezar expressed hope platforms would cooperate. “We haven’t discussed blocking or penalties, but we expect compliance,” he said.

Minister Meutya Hafid echoed the call, specifically urging platform X (formerly Twitter) to set up an office. “It’s a basic requirement. We’ve conveyed this repeatedly,” she said.

Since 2024, the government has asked Elon Musk’s company to comply, but no office has been opened. Meutya warned that lack of local representation hinders coordination.

“I’m confident these global platforms will follow Indonesian law,” she said.



Related news: Ministry pushes for AI utilization for cultural affairs and tourism

Related news: Indonesia presses X to open office or face evaluation