Indonesia digital economy regulation debates

Discussions regarding the regulation of Indonesia’s digital economy have expanded from market competition concerns to the protection of platform workers.

Initially, the Indonesian Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) identified challenges posed by the dominance of global digital platforms. KPPU Chairman Gopprera Panggabean noted that these platforms act as substitutes for telecommunications, advertising, and mass media, often operating without comprehensive regulation. The Association of All Indonesian Telecommunications Providers (ATSI) supported government intervention to ensure a “level playing field and fair share,” requesting that platforms contribute to network infrastructure development.

Following these market-focused discussions, experts have called for specialized regulatory frameworks to address the unique needs of the platform economy. During a seminar by the Segara Research Institute, participants argued that existing labor laws may not adequately protect the diverse roles within the digital sector, such as independent contractors and platform partners. Policy experts emphasized that because these workers control their own schedules and income, regulations must be specifically tailored to address social protection, safety, transparency, and dispute resolution.