TikTok Rejects Regulation of the Broadcasting Bill, Refuses to be Equated with Conventional Broadcasting Institutions

Kapanlagi.com - TikTok Indonesia firmly rejects being included in the Draft Law (RUU) on Broadcasting currently being deliberated by the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission I. In a public hearing held in mid-July 2025, the Head of Public Policy of TikTok Indonesia, Hilmi Adrianto, expressed his objections.

He stated that TikTok is not a broadcasting institution, but rather a user-generated content (UGC) platform, so it is inappropriate to be subject to regulations made for conventional media such as television and radio.

According to Hilmi, TikTok is merely a provider of digital space for the community to create and express themselves, not the manager or primary producer of content. He noted that the implementation of regulations like those in the Broadcasting Law could hinder the growth of digital creators and create legal uncertainty for the digital economy sector.

1. Different Characteristics

Furthermore, Hilmi explained that UGC platforms like TikTok have fundamentally different characteristics from conventional broadcasting institutions. In a traditional broadcasting system, content is curated, produced, and aired by a single professional entity that holds an official broadcasting license.

In contrast, TikTok does not produce its own content; instead, it provides a space for millions of individual creators to share short videos directly with their audiences. The content distribution process on TikTok is algorithmic and personalized, tailored to user preferences, rather than a linear one-way broadcast like television.

For this reason, according to TikTok, the oversight and regulatory approaches applicable to broadcasting institutions cannot simply be imposed on digital platforms like theirs.

2. Under the Umbrella of the Digital Law

TikTok © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

The UGC platform also has its own moderation system, using both AI-based technology and human moderator teams, which are continuously developed to keep the content in line with each community's policies.

In return, TikTok requests to remain regulated under the existing regulatory framework, namely the Law on Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) or Digital Communication (Komdigi). Hilmi emphasized that Kominfo has had an effective oversight mechanism and cooperation with digital platforms so far.

TikTok expressed its readiness to continue collaborating with the government to prevent the circulation of negative content, hoaxes, and other legal violations, but within a legal framework that aligns with the characteristics of digital platforms.

3. Both Reaching the Public

According to them, supervision based on a flexible and collaborative digital approach will be much more effective compared to a static approach like that in the Broadcasting Law. They also highlighted the potential for regulatory overlap if all digital platforms are required to follow conventional broadcasting regulations.

Meanwhile, the DPR Commission I argued that the desire to include TikTok and other digital platforms in the Broadcasting Bill is based on the need to create regulatory fairness among all types of media.

Some legislators, such as Amelia Anggraini, assess that there is currently a regulatory gap between conventional broadcasting media and digital platforms that both disseminate information or entertainment to the public.

4. Comprehensive Regulations

TikTok © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

The DPR sees the need for comprehensive regulations so that digital platforms also have legal and ethical responsibilities equivalent to television or radio media, especially considering the significant influence of digital content on society, including children and adolescents.

One of the proposals that emerged is a ban on having multiple accounts, as it is seen as opening a loophole for the spread of hoaxes, fraud, and manipulation of public opinion. The DPR is also concerned about content algorithms that could promote radicalism or unhealthy content if not monitored closely.

However, TikTok is not the only one under scrutiny from the DPR. On the same occasion, Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), Google, and YouTube also received questions regarding their willingness to be regulated under the Broadcasting Bill.

5. Reluctant to Bow

All representatives of the platforms stated that they are basically open to dialogue and cooperation with the government, but refuse to comply with regulations that do not align with their business and technology structures.

In the RDPU, it is evident that the DPR is attempting to direct all major digital platforms to adhere to a single legal umbrella, regardless of whether they are social media, search engines, or video platforms.

This shows that the Broadcasting Bill currently being discussed will not only impact TikTok but also the entire digital ecosystem operating in Indonesia.

6. Has Unique Features

TikTok © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

TikTok itself has several unique features that distinguish it from other social platforms. One of them is the For You Page (FYP) algorithm, which is highly precise in recommending content based on user behavior and interests. Features like duet, stitch, and live shopping also strengthen TikTok's position as a very dynamic and interactive creative space.

This platform allows anyone to be a broadcaster or content creator, without the need for a studio, crew, or broadcasting license. This transformation makes TikTok a new "broadcast media" in the digital era, even though its structure remains different from conventional broadcasting.

TikTok was initially known as Musical.ly, then acquired and integrated into the ByteDance ecosystem, a technology company from China. Over time, this platform has become not only a place for entertainment but also for education, promoting SMEs, and even social and political campaigns.

7. Very Dominant

Statistically, TikTok has become a very dominant platform in Indonesia. Data from GoodStats records that Indonesia is the country with the most TikTok users in the world, with around 157.6 million active users as of July 2024.

Even in terms of usage duration, the average Indonesian spends nearly 45 hours per month watching TikTok content, far above the global average of only about 35 hours per month.

This shows how strong TikTok's appeal is in the Indonesian market, both as a medium for entertainment, education, and as a field for the digital economy through content monetization features and TikTok Shop. TikTok has successfully formed a highly productive local creator ecosystem and has become a driving force in the digital content industry in Indonesia.

8. Positive Impact on the Economy

Going forward, TikTok is predicted to continue expanding its role as a multifunctional platform. In various countries, TikTok has ventured into educational services, live shopping, public service promotions, and even collaborations with local governments for public information campaigns.

In the United States, TikTok has had a positive impact on the economy. In fact, TikTok, which was initially blocked in America, was saved by Donald Trump. TikTok has also promised to cooperate with the Trump administration.

"TikTok has been operating in the US for years and is very popular among American users. TikTok has played a positive role in increasing job opportunities and consumption in the US," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference in Beijing on Monday (20/1).

9. Reconsidering

This serves as an example of how TikTok's significant influence can be leveraged by the government. However, if TikTok is regulated with an approach that is too rigid, like conventional broadcasting institutions, it is possible that stagnation or even an exodus of creators and advertisers from this platform could occur.

The government needs to be careful in balancing content oversight and creative freedom in the digital realm, which has now become a part of people's daily lives.

(kpl/tdr)