JAKARTA, Indonesia – TikTok announced on August 30, 2025, that it is temporarily suspending its live streaming feature across Indonesia for an unspecified period. The decision comes as a precautionary measure in response to escalating violence and safety concerns stemming from widespread protests that began on August 25, 2025.
The current wave of unrest was initially triggered by economic frustrations and discontent over proposed housing subsidies for members of parliament. However, demonstrations intensified significantly following the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver. Kurniawan was fatally struck by a police tactical vehicle on August 28, 2025, during clashes in Jakarta. This incident sparked widespread public anger, leading to protests spreading to major cities including Surabaya, Makassar, Bali, and Lombok.
In response to the escalating situation, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto canceled a planned trip to China. Authorities had previously summoned representatives from social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok, urging them to enhance content moderation capabilities. The government expressed concern that the rapid spread of disinformation, including deepfake videos and mislabeled footage of past riots, has been a significant catalyst in fueling public anger and exacerbating the protests.
The Indonesian government has emphasized that social media platforms must proactively moderate or remove harmful content, such as disinformation, pornography, and online gambling, without requiring specific requests. Officials have warned that failure to comply could result in penalties ranging from reprimands and fines to temporary suspension or removal from the list of registered electronic platforms. This directive is part of a broader effort to manage the online narrative during a period of significant societal expression.
TikTok, which boasts a substantial user base in Indonesia exceeding 100 million accounts, has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a safe and civil space for its users. The company is committed to the ongoing removal of content that contravenes its community guidelines. The current demonstrations, some of the most significant and violent during President Prabowo Subianto's less than year-old administration, represent a critical test for his government. The unrest, which has included violent clashes and tragic incidents such as a fire at a Makassar city council building that claimed three lives, reflects deep-seated frustrations concerning economic hardship, alleged police brutality, and a perceived lack of governmental empathy.