TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media platform, has expressed its opposition to Indonesia’s proposed ban on social media transactions. The Indonesian government has raised concerns about monopolistic practices by major companies, including TikTok, that have e-commerce platforms. However, TikTok argues that a separation between social media and e-commerce would hinder innovation and disadvantage Indonesian merchants and consumers.
Indonesia has witnessed a significant increase in TikTok’s e-commerce transactions, with users in the country spending more money on the app than anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Since its launch in 2021, TikTok’s e-commerce arm has gained a substantial market share and attracted millions of sellers. Anggini Setiawan, TikTok Indonesia’s head of communications, emphasized that almost two million local businesses in Indonesia rely on TikTok to grow and thrive through social commerce.
Various government officials have called for a distinction between social media and e-commerce, citing concerns about monopolistic practices that pose a threat to local and small businesses. Deputy trade minister Jerry Sambuaga highlighted the lack of regulation in the social media e-commerce space and proposed changes to current trade laws. However, specific details of the proposed ban have not been confirmed.
TikTok urges the Indonesian government to provide a level playing field and ensure fair competition for all social media platforms. The growing popularity of social commerce on platforms like TikTok highlights the need for comprehensive regulation that supports innovation while safeguarding the interests of Indonesian businesses and consumers.
The proposed ban is not limited to TikTok, as US tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, also integrates e-commerce shops on its platforms. Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has suggested that companies may be required to obtain separate licenses for social media and e-commerce activities.
Indonesia, with 125 million users, is TikTok’s second-largest market. The platform’s parent company, ByteDance, has shown a commitment to Southeast Asia by announcing plans to invest billions of dollars in the region. As discussions continue on the proposed ban, it remains to be seen how the Indonesian government will balance its concerns about monopolistic practices with the support necessary for the growth of social commerce.
