"The suspension of the LIVE feature was not based on government orders, but was voluntarily implemented by TikTok," Patria said on Tuesday.
According to him, the suspension in Indonesia was linked to TikTok’s own findings during the recent wave of demonstrations, which the company considered inconsistent with its community guidelines.
Patria noted that TikTok took this step to maintain a safe and conducive digital space in Indonesia.
Regarding the circulation of provocative digital content during the demonstrations, he said the ministry is continuing to evaluate such material.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting freedom of expression in the digital sphere, but harmful content must be addressed to avoid negative impacts on society.
"We support citizens’ rights to express themselves on social media, but we also need to ensure their safety from the spread of provocative content," Patria remarked.
On August 30, TikTok disabled its LIVE feature in Indonesia, which had been widely used to broadcast protests over the past week.
TikTok said the move was part of additional security measures to keep the platform safe.
"As part of this effort, we are voluntarily suspending the TikTok LIVE feature in Indonesia for the next few days. We are also continuing to remove content that violates our Community Guidelines and are monitoring the situation," a TikTok spokesperson announced on August 30.
Over the past week, large-scale demonstrations have erupted in several Indonesian cities following the death of ride-hailing motorcycle driver Affan Kurniawan, who was struck by a police tactical vehicle during a protest in Jakarta on August 28.
Initial demands from the protesters included transparency and cuts to lawmakers’ allowances, reforms to legislative ethics and accountability, and the rejection of several controversial bills.
As of September 1, demonstrations continued. In areas such as Palu, Central Sulawesi, and Tangerang District, protesters’ messages were delivered peacefully and received by local officials.
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Translator: Livia Kristianti/Bagus Ahmad, Resinta S
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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