The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Directorate General of Digital Space Oversight, has issued a third official warning to Platform X for failing to pay an administrative fine related to pornographic content.

The letter was sent on October 8, 2025, using the official communication channels provided by Platform X.

“The first administrative fine was imposed when the second warning letter was issued on September 20, 2025. However, by the set deadline, X had not made the payment or provided an official response. With this third warning, the fine has been updated to Rp78,125,000, an accumulated total from the second and third warnings as a form of escalation in accordance with existing laws,” said Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Oversight, Monday (13/10/2025).

Fines Based on Government Regulation and Ministry Decree

The fine escalation is based on Government Regulation No. 43 of 2023 concerning the types and rates of non-tax state revenue (PNBP) within the Ministry of Communication and Informatics. It also follows Ministerial Decree No. 522 of 2024 on the Moderation Compliance Management System (SAMAN).

The sanction stems from Komdigi’s monitoring on September 12, 2025, which identified pornographic content in Indonesia’s digital space.

Although Platform X carried out a takedown order two days after the second warning on September 20, 2025, the obligation to pay the administrative fine remains in force under current regulations.

Platform X Yet to Establish Local Presence

Alexander confirmed that both previous warning letters had gone unanswered—no fine payment and no official clarification from the company.

“To this day, Platform X has not established a representative office or appointed a liaison officer in Indonesia, even though both are basic obligations for every foreign private electronic system provider as regulated by Ministerial Regulation No. 5 of 2020,” he said.

All UGC platform providers are required to appoint an official liaison to manage content moderation requests, carry out takedowns, and submit regular reports on harmful or negative content.

Maintaining Order in Indonesia’s Digital Environment

This action is part of the government's effort to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive digital space, while ensuring that the national digital industry grows on the basis of legal compliance and responsibility.

All fines imposed on Platform X will be processed through official mechanisms and deposited directly into the state treasury, which is managed by the Ministry of Finance.

“Oversight of digital space and enforcement of regulations apply across the board. Administrative obligations such as fine payments and liaison appointments are not formalities, but essential components of responsible digital governance,” said Alexander.

“We will continue to ensure that all digital platforms comply with Indonesian regulations and fulfill their social responsibilities in maintaining an ethical and safe digital ecosystem,” he added.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/SHELDON COOPER

This article was created with AI assistance.