Indonesia lifted a suspension on TikTok’s local operating license after the platform shared data on live streaming activity during violent protests in August 2025 that killed at least 10 people, according to government officials.
The company had refused to provide complete data on user activity between August 25 and 30, when protests erupted over lawmakers’ 50 million rupiah monthly housing allowance. The demonstrations turned deadly after police shot and killed a 21-year-old delivery driver, Time reported.
Indonesia’s communications ministry suspended TikTok’s license in September 2025, citing the platform’s failure to meet obligations as a private electronic system operator. The government specifically requested data on live streaming activity during the protest period, which TikTok initially declined to provide in full.
The reversal came after TikTok submitted the requested information to Indonesian authorities. “The platform has now fulfilled its data obligations,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement after the suspension was lifted.
The stakes were high for both parties. Indonesia represents TikTok’s second-largest market globally with over 108 million users aged 18 and above. The suspension threatened to cut off access to a user base that accounts for a significant portion of the platform’s international growth.
The August 2025 protests began after public outrage over proposed salary increases for members of parliament, who already receive substantial housing stipends. When a 21-year-old delivery driver was killed by police during the demonstrations, the unrest spread across multiple cities. At least 10 people died nationwide as protesters clashed with security forces, Wikipedia confirmed.
The government’s move to suspend TikTok’s license came amid broader concerns about social media’s role in organizing demonstrations. Officials said the platform’s refusal to share data hindered investigations into the violence and prevented authorities from identifying potential coordinators of illegal activity.
TikTok did not respond to requests for comment about what specific data it provided or whether the company plans to challenge the government’s data collection practices. The platform has faced similar pressure in other markets, where governments have demanded access to user information for security or law enforcement purposes.
The license restoration allows TikTok to resume full operations in Indonesia without restrictions. Macau Business reported that the company can now continue offering live streaming services, which had been a particular focus of the government’s data request.
Indonesia joins other Southeast Asian nations that have pressured tech platforms to share user data with authorities. The suspension marked one of the most significant actions taken against a major social media company in the region this year.