TikTok’s US Drama: Should Indonesia Join the Ban-Wagon?

From Washington to Jakarta, TikTok is no longer just a platform for dance challenges—it’s a battleground where nations fight for control over their data, economies, and security. The United States has been at the center of this debate, first targeting TikTok with a ban in 2023, and now delaying its enforcement to explore solutions like U.S. ownership of the app. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to extend the ban highlights a crucial question: can security concerns and platform reliance coexist?

With 157.6 million Indonesian users (Source: Statista), TikTok is more than just a social media app—it’s an economic lifeline for businesses and a cultural phenomenon. But as the U.S. and other nations scrutinize TikTok’s operations, Indonesia faces a critical decision: Should we follow the US ban, or forge our own path?

Why Did the U.S. Target TikTok?

The U.S. government sees TikTok as more than just an entertainment platform—it’s a national security risk. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China and is subject to China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, which compels companies to share data with the government. This raised concerns that the 125 million U.S. users on TikTok could have their personal information exposed to Chinese authorities.

But security concerns don’t stop at data collection. TikTok’s powerful recommendation algorithm has raised fears of foreign influence over public discourse. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center report, 52% of U.S. adult TikTok users now consume news through the app—up from just 22% in 2020. This sharp increase has led to worries about misinformation and election interference.

Furthermore, TikTok collects vast amounts of user data, including location tracking, biometrics (face and voice prints), and behavioral patterns. While these practices are common among social media platforms, ByteDance’s ownership has put TikTok under much deeper scrutiny in the U.S.

What TikTok Means for Indonesia

If TikTok is a global powerhouse, then Indonesia is its crown jewel. With 157.6 million users, Indonesia leads the world in TikTok adoption, surpassing even the U.S. The platform has reshaped how Indonesians connect, express themselves, and conduct business.

Economic Impact: A $6.2 Billion Industry

In 2024, TikTok Shop recorded $6.2 billion in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in Indonesia, making it the platform’s second-largest market after the U.S. (Source: goodstats.id). For millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), TikTok is not just a marketing tool—it’s a lifeline. Banning TikTok outright would disrupt these businesses, as domestic alternatives lack the same level of reach and engagement.

Cultural Influence: More Than Just an App

TikTok has amplified local music, traditions, and even political movements, shaping how Indonesians engage with national issues. From viral dangdut remixes to social activism campaigns, TikTok has proven its ability to shape public narratives and drive mass engagement.

Data Sovereignty: The Unanswered Question

Despite TikTok’s dominance, one major concern remains: Indonesia’s data sovereignty. Indonesian user data is stored in Singapore and the U.S., not domestically. While regulations like GR 71/2019 and the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) aim to strengthen data governance, they still permit offshore data storage, leaving Indonesia with limited control over its own digital ecosystem.

As of March 2024, Indonesia hosts only 79 data centers, compared to 5,381 in the United States and 449 in China. While Indonesia’s numbers are small, its data center capacity is growing rapidly, particularly in Jakarta, where capacity has increased from 40 megawatts a decade ago to 200 megawatts today. By 2028, projections indicate this capacity could triple, but until then, Indonesia remains dependent on foreign data storage.

Global Reactions to TikTok

The U.S. approach to TikTok demonstrates the complexities of balancing security concerns with platform regulation. President Trump’s 75-day delay signals an attempt to negotiate rather than outright remove the platform. Trump stated that this delay “provides time to explore solutions that safeguard national security without abruptly removing a platform relied on by millions.”

This shift from an immediate ban to a negotiation-first approach underscores the importance of balancing sovereignty with economic and cultural impacts. India, in contrast, banned TikTok entirely in 2020, disrupting the livelihoods of?200 million users. Domestic platforms like?Josh?and?Moj?quickly filled the void but struggled to maintain momentum as global giants like?YouTube Shorts?and?Instagram Reels?captured much of TikTok’s former user base.

The experiences of the U.S. and India highlight the challenges of managing TikTok. For Indonesia, outright banning the platform could lead to significant disruptions. A balanced approach, focusing on regulatory oversight and fostering local innovation, would address security concerns while preserving TikTok’s economic and cultural contributions.

Securing Indonesia’s Digital Future

The TikTok debate is about more than just one app—it’s a test of Indonesia’s ability to shape its digital destiny. To protect its sovereignty, foster innovation, and thrive in an interconnected world, Indonesia must take bold steps forward.

• First,?the government and tech regulators?must prioritize?data sovereignty?by mandating local data storage and accelerating investments in infrastructure. According to Asian Insiders, Indonesia’s digital landscape is transforming rapidly, with data center capacity in Jakarta alone expanding from a modest?40 megawatts?a decade ago to an impressive?200 megawatts?today. Projections suggest this capacity could?triple by 2028, signaling Indonesia’s readiness to host and protect its own data.
• Second, Indonesia should require foreign platforms like TikTok to establish?local incorporation?with partial Indonesian ownership. By mandating that global platforms partner with domestic entities or state-owned enterprises, Indonesia can ensure these companies align with national priorities. TikTok’s existing partnership with GoTo offers a foundation for deeper integration, while local incorporation would provide greater accountability and regulatory compliance.
• Third,?the Ministry of Communication and private investors?must work together to?support local innovation. TikTok’s dominance highlights the need for homegrown platforms that can rival global giants. By empowering startups and creators, Indonesia can build a digital ecosystem that reflects its unique culture and strengthens its economic resilience.
• Finally,?a dedicated regulatory body?must establish robust?oversight?of platforms like TikTok. Transparency in algorithms and data handling isn’t just about security—it’s about ensuring that the platforms shaping Indonesia’s economy and culture operate in the nation’s best interest

The Stakes Are High

TikTok’s role in Indonesia goes beyond entertainment—it’s a critical economic and cultural force. While the U.S. and India offer contrasting approaches to addressing TikTok’s risks, Indonesia must tailor its response to its unique context.

Rather than banning TikTok outright, Indonesia should focus on strengthening regulations, investing in local innovation, and requiring local incorporation to align foreign platforms with national priorities.

At the end of the day, Indonesia doesn’t need to ban TikTok to prove a point. It just needs to decide whether it wants to be a sovereign digital powerhouse or a mere spectator in a tech war between superpowers. If we keep outsourcing our digital future to foreign platforms, we might as well start livestreaming our national policies on TikTok—after all, that’s where the real influence happens these days.

Dari Washington ke Jakarta: TikTok, Aplikasi atau Arena Perang?

Kurang dari 24 jam setelah dilantik, Presiden Donald Trump langsung menandatangani 26 perintah eksekutif, salah satunya menunda larangan TikTok selama 75 hari. Ini bukan sekadar kebijakan dadakan, tapi langkah strategis dalam pertarungan geopolitik, ekonomi, dan digital.

Di Indonesia, TikTok bukan cuma aplikasi hiburan—ini adalah urat nadi ekonomi digital. Dengan 157,6 juta pengguna (Sumber: Statista), TikTok bukan hanya sekadar tempat berjoget atau scroll tanpa tujuan. Bagi banyak orang di Indonesia, TikTok adalah lapak dagang, panggung budaya, dan bahkan alat aspirasi ideologi dan politik.

Tapi kini pertanyaannya: Jika AS bisa melarang TikTok, haruskah kita mengikuti? Atau justru ini peluang untuk menunjukkan bahwa kita bukan sekadar penonton dalam perang digital global?

Kenapa AS Melarang TikTok?

Bagi AS, TikTok bukan sekadar platform hiburan, tetapi juga ancaman terhadap keamanan nasional. Perusahaan induknya, ByteDance, berbasis di China dan tunduk pada Undang-Undang Intelijen Nasional China 2017, yang mengharuskan perusahaan berbagi data dengan pemerintah. Hal ini memicu kekhawatiran bahwa data pribadi 125 juta pengguna TikTok di AS terekspos kepada otoritas China.

Namun, kekuatiran yang timbul tak hanya soal data. Algoritma rekomendasi TikTok yang sangat canggih memicu kekhawatiran tentang pengaruh asing dalam opini publik. Menurut laporan Pew Research Center 2024, 52% pengguna TikTok dewasa di AS kini mengonsumsi berita melalui aplikasi ini—naik tajam dari 22% pada 2020. Ini memicu ketakutan tentang penyebaran misinformasi dan potensi intervensi dalam pemilu.

Selain itu, TikTok menghimpun berbagai data pengguna, termasuk pelacakan lokasi, biometrik (sidik wajah dan suara), serta pola perilaku. Meskipun praktik ini umum di platform media sosial lainnya, fakta bahwa ByteDance berbasis di China menjadikan TikTok subjek pengawasan ketat di AS.

Singkatnya, AS tak mau dikendalikan oleh algoritma yang tak bisa mereka atur.

Apa Arti TikTok bagi Indonesia?

Jika AS memandang TikTok sebagai ancaman, Indonesia melihatnya sebagai sumber kehidupan digital. Dengan 157,6 juta pengguna, Indonesia adalah pasar terbesar TikTok di dunia, bahkan mengalahkan AS. Platform ini telah mengubah cara masyarakat Indonesia berinteraksi, mengekspresikan diri, dan berbisnis.

Dampak Ekonomi: Industri Bernilai $6,2 Miliar

Pada 2024, TikTok Shop mencatatkan Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) sebesar $6,2 miliar di Indonesia, menjadikannya pasar terbesar kedua setelah AS (Sumber: goodstats.id). Bagi jutaan pelaku usaha mikro, kecil, dan menengah (UMKM), TikTok bukan sekadar alat pemasaran—ini adalah penyelamat ekonomi. Melarang TikTok secara total akan menghancurkan ekosistem bisnis yang telah terbentuk, terutama karena alternatif lokal belum mampu menandingi jangkauan dan engagement TikTok.

Dampak Budaya: Dari Dangdut Viral Hingga Revolusi Sosial

TikTok telah mengubah cara masyarakat berinteraksi. Dari dangdut remix viral, tren komedi absurd, hingga kampanye sosial, TikTok telah menjadi alat ekspresi dan aktivisme modern.

Seiring waktu, TikTok bukan hanya tempat hiburan, tapi juga alat pembentuk opini, ruang debat, dan ajang mobilisasi massa. Melarangnya berarti memutus akses jutaan orang terhadap sumber informasi alternatif—dengan segala kekurangan dan kelebihannya.

Kedaulatan Data: Apakah Kita Masih Bertuan di Negeri Sendiri?

Meskipun TikTok sangat populer, satu pertanyaan besar tetap menggantung: seberapa besar kendali Indonesia atas datanya sendiri? Data pengguna Indonesia saat ini disimpan di Singapura dan AS, bukan di dalam negeri. Meskipun regulasi seperti PP No. 71/2019 dan UU Perlindungan Data Pribadi (UU PDP) bertujuan memperkuat tata kelola data, aturan ini masih mengizinkan penyimpanan data di luar negeri, membuat Indonesia kurang berdaulat dalam ekosistem digitalnya sendiri.

Per Maret 2024, Indonesia hanya memiliki 79 pusat data, dibandingkan dengan 5.381 di AS dan 449 di China. Meskipun jumlahnya masih kecil, kapasitas pusat data di Indonesia berkembang pesat, terutama di Jakarta, yang telah meningkat dari 40 megawatt satu dekade lalu menjadi 200 megawatt saat ini. Diperkirakan, kapasitas ini bisa meningkat hingga tiga kali lipat pada 2028, tetapi hingga saat itu, Indonesia tetap bergantung pada penyimpanan data asing.

Bagaimana Dunia Menyikapi TikTok?

Di AS, TikTok dihadapkan pada pilihan sulit: lepas dari ByteDance atau angkat kaki.. Meski demikian, penundaan 75 hari oleh Trump mengindikasikan bahwa AS masih mencari solusi negosiasi daripada langsung menutup TikTok.

Sementara itu, India memilih jalan yang lebih agresif: melarang TikTok sepenuhnya pada 2020, menghapus akses bagi 200 juta pengguna. Hal ini mendorong kemunculan aplikasi lokal seperti Josh dan Moj.

Dari kedua kasus ini, Indonesia dapat mengambil pembelajaran:

• Larangan total bisa menciptakan kekacauan ekonomi dan mematikan ekosistem kreator.
• Mengatur kepemilikan asing bisa menjadi solusi tengah—TikTok tetap ada, tapi di bawah kendali Indonesia.

Bukan Sekadar Mengikuti Tren

TikTok bukan hanya aplikasi hiburan—ini adalah kekuatan ekonomi dan budaya yang signifikan. Dikala AS dan India mengambil langkah ekstrem, Indonesia harus menentukan kebijakan yang lebih seimbang antara kedaulatan, keamanan ekonomi, dan inovasi teknologi.

Larangan total bukan solusi yang realistis, tetapi membiarkan platform asing beroperasi tanpa kendali juga bukan pilihan bijak. Indonesia harus mengatur, mengontrol, dan memastikan kepentingan nasional tetap menjadi prioritas utama dalam ekosistem digital global.

Jika kita terus bergantung pada platform asing tanpa regulasi yang jelas, bukan tidak mungkin kebijakan ekonomi digital kita suatu hari nanti akan lebih ditentukan oleh algoritma media sosial daripada oleh pemerintah sendiri.