Menkomdigi Affirms No Restrictions On WhatsApp Call And VoIP Services

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid emphasized that there are no plans from the government to limit internet-based voice and video calling services or voice over IP (VoIP), including WhatsApp Call services.

This statement was made to straighten out the news that caused unrest in the community.

"I emphasize that the government does not design or consider restrictions on WhatsApp Calls. The information circulating is not true and misleading," said Meutya Hafid in a statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Saturday, July 19.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) itself is a digital service that allows voice calls to be made via the internet, not using traditional telephone lines.

Its use is increasingly widespread globally, not only in Indonesia because of the ease of internet access which is getting better in many countries.

Some of the known and widely used VoIP services in Indonesia include Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, LINE Call, and WhatsApp Call.

Meutya straightened out that the actual condition was that the Ministry of Komdigi accepted proposals from several circles, including the Indonesian Telecommunications Organizing Association (ATSI) and the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel).

The associations conveyed views regarding the arrangement of the digital ecosystem, including relations between over-the-top service providers (OTT) and network operators.

However, Meutya Hafid emphasized that the proposal had never been discussed in the policy-making forum. In addition, this has never been part of the ministry's official agenda.

"I apologize if there is unrest in the community. I have asked the relevant ranks to immediately clarify internally and ensure that no policies are directed at restrictions on digital services," he said.

Furthermore, in terms of programs for the community, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs remains focused on the national priority agenda, including expanding internet access in disadvantaged areas, increasing digital literacy, as well as strengthening data security and protection in the digital space.