President Joko Widodo, accompanied by several ministers, engaged in discussions regarding online trade activities, including on social media platforms like TikTok, during a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, confirmed that TikTok was among the topics covered during the meeting, which focused on trade conducted through electronic systems. However, specific details of the discussions were not disclosed.
Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, emphasized that the meeting aimed to comprehensively address digital trade activities, particularly in the realm of e-commerce.
President Jokowi previously expressed concerns about the negative impact of trade activities on social commerce platforms, such as TikTok Shop. He suggested that TikTok should remain primarily a social media platform rather than expanding into online shopping, as this shift was adversely affecting domestic businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The President’s comments came as these platforms, blending e-commerce with social media, gained popularity in Indonesia, sparking a broader discussion on their role in the country’s trade landscape.