Edition 8: Kominfo Threatens To Block Google, Whatsapp, Netflix, and Others Tomorrow
Kominfo Threatens To Block Google, Whatsapp, Netflix, and Others Tomorrow
Source: Dimitri Karastelev/Unsplash
According to the Circular Letter of the Minister of Communication and Information Technology No. 3 of 2022, the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has decided that the registration deadline for Electronic System Operators (ESO) will be July 20th, 2022.
What this means is that after tomorrow, unregistered ESOs, such as Google, Twitter, Facebook, and Netflix, could be blocked in the country. Whether they will actually be blocked remains to be seen, given Kemenkominfo has made identical threats since May 2021 that did not materialize.
Kominfo data shows that some of the internet giants have already registered themselves, including Tokopedia, Gojek, Ovo, TikTok, Spotify, Traveloka, and many others.
This decision is based on Ministerial Regulation Number 5 Year 2020 (MR5) and its amendment, Ministerial Regulation Number 10 Year 2021 (MR10).
MR5 and MR10 compels ESOs, through registration with the government, to provide the government access to user data and to remove all content that the government deems as ‘harmful’. More detail on these regulations can be found in some posts WIUI has previously published on this issue, here and here.
This registration is touted as a way to ensure that every ESO operates in accordance with Indonesian law. Kominfo says it will assist in monitoring and coordinating with companies should there be any legal infractions. This is claimed to enhance security for Indonesian internet users.
General Director of Informatics Applications at the Kominfo Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan touched on the need for Indonesia to assert its sovereignty in the digital space, lamenting that big tech companies "don't think about our rules."
Despite the claimed benefits and reasons for this registration, the regulation has attracted international condemnation. A global coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have signed a statement urging the Minister for Kominfo to repeal MR5 and MR10, stating that these regulations breach Indonesian constitutional and international freedom of expression standards.
Given Indonesia’s loose and ambiguous laws surrounding freedom of expression, Linda Lakhdhir from Human Rights Watch criticized MR5 for being “a tool for censorship that imposes unrealistic burdens on the many digital services and platforms that are used in Indonesia”
Many jurisdictions around the world, like the European Union, are also attempting to regulate big tech companies in an effort to reign in online misinformation, radicalism, and hate speech.
What makes these policies different from Indonesia, however, is that protections toward freedom of speech are much stronger in these countries, while such guarantees are largely missing in Indonesian law.
If Kemenkominfo decides to block tech giants who did not register, a loss of US$84 million per day could be incurred by ESOs collectively, as estimated by Netblocks. The effectiveness of this move is also questionable as seen from their previous attempts to block pornographic content.
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Bonus: What WIUI thinks will happen if Kominfo pulls through with their threats...
What Is Up, Indonesia?
🌎 Politics & International Relations
Jakarta Deputy Governor responds to Depok's wish for Greater Jakarta merger: Mayor of Depok Mohammad Idris recommends merger with Greater Jakarta to more efficiently resolve issues that affect both regions. Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza responds that city/province mergers are central government matters.
KPK Deputy steps down from role amidst misconduct allegations: Deputy Chairperson of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) resigned abruptly after reports emerged that she received free flight tickets and accommodation.
Ambassador of Indonesian to Malaysia brings up issue of migrant workers: After reports emerged on human rights abuses against Indonesian workers in Malaysia, the Indonesian ambassador threatens to walk back on an agreement if Malaysia does not commit to protecting Indonesian migrant workers (TKI) employed in the country.
📈 Economics & Business
Indonesia seeks consensus on global economic challenges in G20 finance ministers’ meeting: The G20 meeting between finance ministers in Bali on July 14th aimed to make significant progress to solve international economic threats that are caused by Russia and Ukraine’s conflict in order to avoid “catastrophic humanitarian consequences”.
Sovereign Wealth Fund to pay attention to inflation and cash rates in investments: Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund to re-calibrate investment strategy based on dynamic developments in the global economy in order to ensure returns on infrastructure, healthcare etc.
Jokowi is optimistic about Indonesia’s economic growth: Jokowi highlighted Indonesia's persistence in the face of concerns regarding the global recession and rising prices. On August 5th, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) will release the growth results for the second quarter of 2022, experts predicting a 5.1% growth rate.
🏛️ Society & Culture
The new face of Jakarta Cikini Library: The new Cikini Library in Taman Ismail Marzuki has reopened and has been swarmed with new visitors with its fresh iconic modern look, designed by architect Andra Martin in 2019.
Jakarta drops plan to segregate 'Angkot' passengers based on gender: The plan to segregate ‘angkot’ passengers was first suggested due to a sexual harassment case in Tebet that went viral in social media. The proposal has been dropped after further consultation with broader society.
What We're Reading
The plight of Indonesian migrants has been in the news lately. But did you know that some foreign populations in Indonesia are also doing it tough?
Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Indonesia: Problems and Potentials - Often overlooked and undermentioned, the clusters of refugees from war-torn countries like Afghanistan who currently stay in Indonesia are studied in this paper. It highlights the limited financial resources and lack of access to government services they experience as they continue to seek asylum elsewhere, particularly in Australia. - Muzafar Ali, Linda Briskman (Swinburne University), Lucy Fiske (University of Technology Sydeny)
Also recommended for documentary watchers: The Staging Post.
PenPal
28M On how to lose weight without bald ex magician's shiny new diet product
A: There are no fast and easy ways to do it. It’s about the habits that we form and the long-term impacts we want. At least that’s what I’ve heard a lot. I believe that the two basic aspects—diet and exercise—are necessary and sufficient in a weight-loss journey. Even things touted as successes (remember The Biggest Loser?) don’t usually yield long-term benefits. People gain their weights back.
I guess it’s the same mantra as everyone else? Slowly eat less and track your meals, start exercising in any form (preferably for 30 minutes continuously everyday and not like an accumulated exercise). It can just be something like reducing the size of your rice and carbs such that you feel that it’s enough, but not filling. For exercises, a brisk walk is always a good start! It’s about long-term habits :)
Be kind to yourself and especially your body! I am also personally trying to lose weight too, so let’s do this! Just ignore any product placement for diet products or things similar to that. And please get regular meals and sleep too!
~ Cult Leader Vincent
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