The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs recently suspended the registration of TikTok’s electronic system provider (PSE) after the platform declined to provide complete data for the period from Aug. 25 to 30, during heightened social and political tensions marked by widespread demonstrations across Indonesia. Shortly afterward, the government lifted the suspension. However, not long after, the ministry introduced another discourse on blocking and re-registering International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, citing consumer protection as the reason.
Deputy Secretary of the Center for Digital Society, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CfDS UGM), Iradat Wirid, explained that the IMEI blocking issue appeared to be a form of “discourse testing” by the ministry to gauge public reaction.
“I think this is a common practice known in political terms as ‘testing the waters’ to see how the public responds,” said Wirid on Monday (Oct. 20).
According to Wirid, regulations concerning IMEI blocking and re-registration remain unclear. Although the minister has publicly announced the plan, no derivative regulations have been enacted.
“If the goal is truly to protect users, then the implementing regulations should be issued promptly, or better yet, the regulations on data protection for the public should be prioritized,” he said.
He added that when the government raises such policy ideas, it should already have a clear roadmap for implementation.
“It should not just introduce a discourse without clear direction,” he remarked.
Regarding the use of stronger personal identification systems, such as linking driver’s licenses and national ID numbers, Wirid emphasized that such measures should not burden citizens.
“If people are required to re-register and deal with more administrative processes while personal data protection laws are not yet well enforced, this will only add to the government’s responsibility for matters that could have been avoided,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Wirid noted that the IMEI blocking and re-registration issue cannot yet be considered a form of state control, as it depends on the forthcoming regulations.
“This narrative actually emerged five years ago when the PSE issue arose in 2020. There was public concern then, but so far, people still have space to express their opinions,” he stated.
In responding to the new discourse, Wirid urged the public to remain vigilant toward upcoming digital policies. He emphasized that public participation and criticism remain powerful tools for accountability.
“The relationship among the public, platforms, industries, and the government must remain transparent,” he concluded.
By “transparency,” Wirid referred to the need for the government to communicate its policies more clearly to prevent public misunderstanding and unrest.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Illustration: Freepik