Indonesia has reinstated TikTok’s operating license after the Chinese-owned social media giant shared data requested by the government regarding its live streaming activity during last month’s deadly protests.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs had temporarily suspended TikTok’s license on Friday, citing the platform’s failure to comply with data-sharing obligations as a private electronic system operator. Officials said TikTok initially refused to provide full details of user activity between August 25 and 30, when violent demonstrations erupted across several cities.
According to the ministry, TikTok explained in a letter dated September 23 that its internal policies limited the scope of data it could share. However, after further discussions, the company complied with the government’s request, leading to the license reinstatement.
The protests, triggered by public anger over lawmakers’ privileges and alleged police brutality, left at least ten people dead. TikTok had voluntarily suspended its live streaming feature on August 30 amid escalating tensions, saying it wanted to maintain a safe and civil online environment.
The brief suspension of TikTok’s license sparked debate on social media about freedom of speech and digital rights under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, given his controversial history during Indonesia’s dictatorship era.