Client Alert: Major Restructuring in Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication – Beyond a Name Change
Jan 20, 2025
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika or “Kominfo”) has officially been renamed to the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital or “Komdigi”). Alongside the re-identity, the Ministry has undertaken a significant restructuring of its directorates to better align with Indonesia’s evolving digital landscape through the stipulation of Presidential Regulation No. 174 of 2024 on the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and Komdigi Regulation No. 1 of 2025 on the Organization and Work Procedures of the Ministry of Communication and Digital this early January.
Key Highlights of the Rebranding and Restructuring
New Name, Renewed Vision
The rebranding from “Komunikasi dan Informatika” to “Komunikasi dan Digital” underscores the Ministry’s focus on streamlining governance for both public and private electronic systems, enhancing e-government initiatives, and ensuring focus on the oversight of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem. The establishment of dedicated directorates for e-government, artificial intelligence, and digital oversight signifies Indonesia’s ambition to not only strengthen its digital economy but also ensure accountability and security in the rapidly expanding digital space.
Comparison of Directorate Structures
| Previous Directorate General | Scope of Work | New Directorate General | Scope of Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directorate General of Resources and Postal and Informatics Equipment | Spectrum management, satellite orbit allocation, device standardization | Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure | Infrastructure strategy, spectrum management, digital infrastructure services, and disaster management |
| Directorate General of Post and Informatics Operations | Licensing, telecommunications accessibility, connectivity, and postal infrastructure | ||
| Directorate General of Informatics Applications | Government informatics application services, digital economy support, informatics empowerment, and informatics applications oversees | Directorate General of Government Digital Technology | E-Government systems, public electronic system registration, ICT audits |
| Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem | Licensing for postal, broadcasting, and private electronic systems, AI and new technology ecosystems | ||
| Directorate General of Digital Space Oversight | Digital oversight, electronic transactions, and private electronic systems monitoring, including personal data in electronic system. | ||
| Directorate General of Public Information and Communication | Public information dissemination, media engagement, and government PR | Directorate General of Public Communication and Media | Public information services, media ecosystem development, and crisis communication management |
Analysis of Key Changes
- The previous Resources and Postal and Informatics Equipment and Post and Informatics Operations are now consolidated under the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure, which will handle all matters related to digital infrastructure, including spectrum management and satellite orbits.
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Directorate General of Informatics Applications Split into Three:
- Directorate General of Government Digital Technology will focus on public sector electronic systems (e-government).
- Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem will oversee licensing for postal services, broadcasting, and private sector electronic systems.
- Directorate General of Digital Space Oversight is a new directorate that centralizes digital oversight, including compliance and law enforcement, in the digital space.
- Public Information and Communication is renamed to Directorate General of Public Communication and Media. However, the scope of work has not changed significantly, retaining its task on public information dissemination and media engagement
Implications for Stakeholders
- Companies must familiarize themselves with the new directorates to ensure proper regulatory compliance. For instance, telecom infrastructure-related matters previously handled by the Directorate General of Post and Informatics Operations are now under the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure. Private sector electronic system will now supervised under the Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem instead of the Directorate General of Informatics Applications.
- With the creation of the Directorate General of Government Digital Technology, there are significant opportunities for the development and procurement of electronic systems supporting e-government initiatives. The Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem’s focus on AI and new technology ecosystems provides clarity and potential for growth in these industries.
- The formation of the Directorate General of Digital Space Oversight indicates a stricter regulatory environment for digital platforms. Companies must ensure compliance with licensing and operational requirements to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
The restructuring of Kominfo into Komdigi marks a transformative step in Indonesia’s digital governance. Stakeholders must stay informed about the new directorates to effectively navigate regulatory landscapes, especially for licensing, consultations, and government relation activities. Industries such as technology, AI, and digital services should prepare for both challenges and opportunities arising from these changes.
If you have any further queries regarding this subject, please contact our Partner, Danny Kobrata ([email protected]). (DNK/GSA)
