TikTok Pushes Back Against TV-Like Regulation in in Indonesia’s Broadcasting Bill
Main Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — TikTok Indonesia has opposed proposals to treat digital platforms the same as traditional broadcasters in the country’s revised Broadcasting Law, arguing that its content and business model are fundamentally different.
Head of Public Policy TikTok Indonesia Hilmi Adrianto voiced the company’s objections during a public hearing with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
“We see significant differences with traditional broadcasters, especially in how content is created,” Hilmi said, as quoted by TV Parlemen on Thursday, July 17.
Platform vs. Publisher
Hilmi stressed that TikTok operates on user-generated content (UGC), where millions of users actively upload videos, unlike legacy broadcasters that rely on passive audiences and curated programming from professional teams.
He noted that TikTok uses both technology and human moderation to manage content uploads in real time—marking a clear distinction from traditional media, which pre-approve limited programming before it goes on air.
“UGC allows for unlimited content uploads at any time. Violating content is detected and removed by our moderation systems,” Hilmi said. “That’s completely different from the controlled model of conventional broadcasters.”
One-Size-Fits-All Won’t Work
TikTok called for tailored regulations that reflect the unique nature of digital platforms. Hilmi warned against a one-size-fits-all approach to oversight, particularly when comparing broadcasters to over-the-top (OTT) services.
“We do not recommend applying identical regulatory frameworks to both traditional broadcasters and OTT platforms,” he said.
Kadin: Law Is Outdated
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) supported the call for differentiated regulation, saying the legal definition of broadcasting in the current law is outdated and no longer reflects the digital age.
Chris Taufik, Chair of Kadin’s Standing Committee on Research and Digital Policy, told lawmakers that digital broadcasting has shifted from the old “one-to-many” model to a “many-to-many” environment—driven by viral content, creators, and artificial intelligence (AI).
“The current regulation forces traditional media to undergo censorship and content vetting, while digital platforms are free to publish almost anything,” Chris said during a separate hearing with the House special committee on Monday, July 14.
Fairness for All Players
Kadin urged lawmakers to update the bill to ensure a level playing field for all players, traditional or digital. Chris emphasized the need for fairer policies that reflect the reality of media convergence and the evolving nature of content delivery.
“If broadcasting is defined simply as anything the public watches, then it’s unfair that traditional media must follow censorship and strict content rules, while digital content creators operate with few constraints,” he said.
Kadin hopes that the revised Broadcasting Law will foster an inclusive and fair media ecosystem, responsive to changes in technology and audience behavior.