TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Indonesia has criticized the government's online content moderation policy, warning that it could threaten press freedom by enabling the removal of journalistic content from digital platforms.
Nany Afrida, chair of AJI Indonesia, said the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) should not act as the ultimate authority in determining whether news content can remain online.
"The ministry cannot place itself above all other institutions," Nany told reporters at the Supreme Court in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
She cited the removal of content produced by Indonesian media outlet Magdalene as an example of how the policy has affected news organizations. According to AJI, disputes involving journalistic content should fall under the jurisdiction of the Press Council, Indonesia's independent media regulator, rather than the government.
"It is the responsibility of the Press Council," Nany said, adding that arbitrary takedowns could create more victims within the media industry if left unchecked.
AJI, together with several media and press organizations, has filed a judicial review against Government Regulation No. 71 of 2019 on the Implementation of Electronic Systems and Transactions (PSTE), which serves as the legal basis for Indonesia's content moderation framework.
Mustafa Layong, director of the Press Legal Aid Institute (LBH Pers), argued that several provisions in the regulation are overly broad and open to multiple interpretations, potentially conflicting with Indonesia's Press Law, Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, and international human rights standards.
"The regulation limits freedom of expression," Mustafa said.
He argued that content can be removed before authorities establish whether it actually violates the law, raising concerns over due process and the public's right to access information.
Critics also contend that the regulation may conflict with Indonesia's Human Rights Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a party.
Komdigi has previously denied having unilateral authority to remove journalistic content. Alexander Sabar, the ministry's director general for digital space oversight, said in June that news content cannot be taken down without a recommendation from the Press Council.
"The authority to handle press products fundamentally falls under the Press Law," Alexander said.
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