Indonesia's Constitutional Court Bars Telecoms from Forfeiting Unused Data

The Indonesian Constitutional Court (Mahkamah Konstitusi) issued a ruling on 23‑24 July 2026 (Case No. 273/PUU‑XXIII/2025) that the unused portion of purchased internet data cannot be forfeited by telecom operators. Judges, including Adies Kadir, declared, “Unused data must remain protected as the property of telecommunications users…”. The decision treats remaining data as an intangible asset with economic value that belongs to the consumer, whether prepaid or post‑paid.

Operators are now required to offer protection schemes such as quota rollover, extension of the active period, benefit transfer, compensation, refund or other mechanisms. The court also ordered that any tariff adjustments involve consumer‑protection agencies and other stakeholder groups. The Ministry of Communication and Digital said it will review regulations to align with the ruling, and major operators like Telkomsel expressed support while noting existing rollover products. Lawmakers have urged immediate compliance, emphasizing the decision’s role in strengthening consumer rights in Indonesia’s digital economy.