Indonesia Challenges Meta Over Weak Compliance, Tightens Grip on Digital Governance

Government warns the tech giant after finding low compliance in tackling harmful online content, signaling stronger enforcement of national digital regulations.

The Indonesian government has issued a strong warning to Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, over what it describes as weak compliance with the country’s content moderation and digital governance rules.

In a surprise move, Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid led an unannounced visit to Meta’s Jakarta office earlier this week. The visit was intended to directly address concerns that the global social media company has not done enough to remove harmful or illegal content from its platforms in Indonesia.

According to the ministry, Meta’s response rate to official government requests to remove harmful content stands at just 28.47 percent, placing it among the least compliant digital platforms operating in the country. With an estimated 112 million users across Facebook and WhatsApp in Indonesia, authorities say stronger oversight is necessary to protect the nation’s digital environment.

Officials are particularly concerned about the spread of online gambling promotions, disinformation, digital fraud, health misinformation, and hate speech across Meta’s platforms.

“The content threatens the safety of Indonesian people, yet Meta allows it to circulate,” Minister Meutya Hafid said during the inspection. The government has now asked the company to improve its reporting systems, increase transparency around its algorithms, and strengthen its content moderation process in the country.

Indonesia’s digital laws require all technology platforms operating within its borders to follow local regulations and maintain a safe online space. Experts say the government’s direct visit to Meta signals a stronger push for corporate accountability, compliance, and digital governance.

Cybersecurity expert Ardi Sutedja, chairman of the Indonesia Cyber Security Forum, said the move shows the government’s determination to protect national interests.

“The inspection sends a clear message that Indonesia will not tolerate platforms ignoring content that could harm social stability or public trust,” he explained.

The development highlights Indonesia’s growing effort to ensure that global technology companies respect local laws while operating in one of Southeast Asia’s largest digital markets.