Government Regulates Free Ongkir Promos During Online Shopping, Only Allowed 3 Times A Month

JAKARTA - The free shipping fee feature (postage) has so far become the main attraction of the community in online shopping, because it helps people save money when transacting digitally.

However, as concerns increased over unbalanced business competition, the government is now starting to limit the implementation of this promo. Based on the latest regulations, free shipping promos are now only allowed a maximum of three times a month on the e-commerce platform.

This rule is contained in the Regulation of the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Permenkodigi) Number 8 of 2025 concerning Commercial Post Services. This policy is implemented to create healthy competition between e-commerce players and other post service providers, as well as prevent promotional practices that are considered detrimental to the ecosystem as a whole.

"We want to create a healthy competition climate in the logistics and e-commerce industry. Therefore, we will monitor and evaluate its implementation to remain fair," said Gunawan Hutagalung, Director of Posts and Broadcasting at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, when met in Jakarta, as quoted by ANTARA.

This restriction specifically targets postage promos for products sold under Cost of Sales (HPP), or if the price discount makes the delivery service tariff drop below the cost of basic services. This is considered to be able to interfere with the sustainability of other shipping service businesses that do not have a similar subsidy capacity.

Article 41 in the regulation explains that commercial post service rates must be calculated based on production or operational cost components, plus profit margins. These production costs cover various aspects, such as employee salaries, transportation costs, technology infrastructure, and cooperation costs with business partners.

Meanwhile, Article 45 allows service providers to provide tariff discounts throughout the year, as long as the final price of the service does not fall below the cost of the base. However, if the discount causes the tariff to be lower than the basic cost, then the promo can only apply for a certain period and must obtain approval from the ministry.

Even though it is limited, service providers still have room to apply for an extension of the promo period. However, this will be evaluated first by the ministry taking into account the average industry price.

"The normal top is three days per month. But if you want it to be extended, the organizers can submit an evaluation request. We will see if the feasibility of the price offered is still reasonable or not," explained Gunawan.