The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) clarified that the new regulation, Ministerial Regulation No. 8/2025 on Commercial Postal Services, does not regulate or limit free shipping promotions by e-commerce platforms (17/5).

Instead, the regulation is focused on courier discounts, specifically capping them at a maximum of three days per month.

Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at Komdigi, explained, “This regulation does not touch on free shipping promotions by e-commerce. What we are regulating is the discount on shipping fees provided by couriers at their apps or counters, which is limited to three days a month.”

Protecting Courier Welfare and Preventing Service Disruption

The regulation aims to prevent courier companies from enduring financial losses due to discounts below the actual cost of delivery services.

These discounts cover couriers' wages, intercity transport, sorting, and other operational services. If such discounts continue unchecked, the courier industry could face serious issues, including reduced service quality and low pay for workers.

“We aim to create a healthy, sustainable, and fair postal service ecosystem. If the tariffs keep being pushed down without control, courier welfare is at risk. This is what we want to protect,” said Edwin Hidayat Abdullah.

E-commerce Free Shipping Remains a Promotional Tool

The Ministry emphasized that e-commerce platforms are still free to offer free shipping as part of their marketing strategies.

“If e-commerce platforms provide subsidized shipping as part of their promotional strategies, it is entirely their right. We do not regulate this,” Edwin confirmed.

This clarification assures e-commerce businesses that their promotional free shipping initiatives will continue without government interference.

Ensuring a Balanced Digital Ecosystem

The regulation aims to strike a balance between market efficiency and fair treatment for couriers.

The government’s goal is to ensure couriers receive fair compensation and that logistics companies remain financially viable.

Edwin stated, “We want to make sure couriers can earn a decent living and logistics companies continue to grow. This isn’t just about pricing but about economic fairness.”

The new regulation was developed through dialogue with courier industry stakeholders, associations, and other relevant parties, aiming to foster a balanced and sustainable digital ecosystem.

PHOTO: FREEPIK

This article was created with AI assistance.