Indonesia’s KPPU imposes Rp 15 billion penalty after delayed notification of major deal
Indonesia’s anti-monopoly watchdog has fined TikTok Rp15 billion (S$1.15 million) for failing to report on time its acquisition of a majority stake in Tokopedia, marking a high-profile test of the nation’s competition laws.
Late Reporting Triggers Sanction
The Indonesian Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) confirmed on September 29, 2025, that TikTok was penalized for late reporting of its US$840 million acquisition of Tokopedia. TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, purchased 75.01 percent of Tokopedia’s shares in January 2024, while GoTo retained 24.99 percent.
Deadline Missed
Under Indonesian law, companies must notify KPPU of mergers or acquisitions within 30 business days. The transaction legally took effect on January 31, 2024, giving TikTok until March 19, 2024, to file. However, TikTok failed to meet this deadline, prompting the fine.
KPPU’s Explanation
KPPU spokesperson Deswin Nur said the agency considered TikTok’s cooperation during the investigation, its admission of the delay, and its clean record of no prior violations when deciding the penalty. “The company must submit the Rp 15 billion fine to the state treasury within 30 days after this decision becomes legally binding,” Deswin noted.
TikTok’s Response
A TikTok spokesperson stated that the company “respects and appreciates KPPU’s decision” and reaffirmed its commitment to fair business practices in Indonesia. Despite the penalty, TikTok remains a dominant player in Indonesia’s fast-growing digital economy.
Return of TikTok Shop
The acquisition played a crucial role in TikTok Shop’s return to Indonesia after the government banned social media platforms from conducting e-commerce in September 2023. By separating its marketplace business from its social media platform, TikTok complied with regulatory requirements and re-entered one of its largest global markets.
Wider Implications
The fine underscores Indonesia’s stricter enforcement of competition rules, signaling to multinational companies that regulatory compliance is essential. For TikTok, the penalty is relatively small compared with its billion-dollar operations, but it highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by foreign tech firms in Southeast Asia.
The Rp 15 billion fine against TikTok is a reminder that Indonesia’s regulators are serious about enforcing competition law, even against global tech giants. While the penalty is modest, it reinforces Indonesia’s determination to balance market growth with regulatory oversight—an important signal for both local and international businesses.
Sources: The Business Times (2025) , Jakarta Globe (2025)
Keywords: TikTok, Tokopedia, KPPU, Indonesia Fine, ByteDance, Acquisition
