"The government is not planning to restrict or considering restriction on the WhatsApp Call. The information circulated in public is incorrect and misleading," Hafid said in a statement to address the public concern.
The VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a digital service that enables voice calls to be made over the internet, rather than using traditional telephone lines.
The VoIP is being used globally, including in Indonesia, due to increasingly easy internet access in many countries.
Some well-known and widely used VoIP services in Indonesia include Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, LINE Call, and WhatsApp Call.
Hafid clarified that her ministry received proposals from several groups, including the Indonesian Telecommunications Providers Association (ATSI) and the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel).
According to her, these associations voiced their opinions regarding the structuring of the digital ecosystem, including the relationship between over-the-top (OTT) service providers and network operators.
However, the proposal had never been discussed in a policy-making forum. Furthermore, it had never been part of the ministry's official agenda, she said.
"I apologize if it has caused public concern. I have asked the relevant authorities to immediately conduct internal clarification and ensure the absence of policies on restricting digital services," she affirmed.
Regarding community programs, the Communications and Digital Ministry still focuses on national priority agendas, including expanding internet access in underdeveloped areas, improving digital literacy, and strengthening data security and protection in the digital space, Hafid stated.
Translator: Livia Kristianti, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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