Indonesia has suspended TikTok’s operating licence after the social media platform declined to share data from its live streaming activity during nationwide protests in August. 

The Indonesia Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said the TikTok app provided only partial data, despite repeated requests for full disclosure between 25 and 30 August, when demonstrations intensified following the death of a delivery driver. 

The suspension marks one of the most significant regulatory guidelines by Jakarta against a global platform, signifying tensions over data transparency and government oversight of digital platforms in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia has the second biggest audience on TikTok, owned by China’s Bytedance, with more than 100 million users.

The government asked TikTok for traffic and other data related to “the alleged monetisation” of live activities from accounts suspected of online gambling.

The ministry said TikTok was given until September 23 to submit data but failed to do so.

According to the ministry, TikTok responded in a letter dated 23 September, stating it had internal rules governing the disclosure of user data and therefore could not provide full access. 

Officials concluded that the company had failed to comply with its obligations as a licensed private electronic system operator in the country.

A spokesperson said in a statement TikTok was working closely with the ministry “… while remaining committed to safeguarding user privacy and ensuring that our platform provides a safe and responsible experience for the community in Indonesia”.

The ministry has not given a timeline for resolving the dispute, but the move signals that compliance with national data requests is becoming a core requirement for operating in Indonesia’s fast-expanding digital ecosystem. 

With TikTok remaining accessible for now, the suspension primarily affects its legal standing, though it may be extended to operations if no resolution is reached.