Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — On October 14, 2024, the Indonesian government formally requested Apple to remove the Temu app from its App Store. Originating from China, Temu is an e-commerce platform that has quickly gained traction due to its low-cost inventory. The Indonesian government’s primary concern is to safeguard the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the country.
According to a report by Apple Insider, the government’s move is a proactive measure to ensure that consumers continue to shop domestically rather than turning to international platforms like Temu.
A group of ministers led by Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi is behind this initiative, emphasizing the need to protect the livelihoods of millions of Indonesian entrepreneurs.
Setiadi pointed out that allowing Temu to operate in Indonesia could lead to unhealthy competition, which would undermine local businesses.
“We are not here to protect e-commerce; we are here to protect small and medium-sized enterprises. There are millions that we must protect,” he stated.
As of now, neither Apple nor Google has responded to the Indonesian government’s request. Observations by Tekno Liputan6.com show that the Temu app remains accessible in the app store, indicating that no immediate action has been taken against it.
The government is not only focused on blocking Temu; it is also looking to restrict the app’s potential investments in local e-commerce ventures.
This is not the first time the Indonesian government has targeted foreign e-commerce companies. Shein, another Chinese-owned platform, has also been flagged for potential blocking.
Moreover, the government previously pressured TikTok to shut down its TikTok Shop service in the country in 2023, which led to TikTok acquiring a majority stake in local e-commerce firm GoTo to maintain its operations in the region.
Temu Apps from China Registered in Indonesia, Said to be the MSME Killer
In summary, the Indonesian government’s efforts to block the Temu app reflect a broader strategy to protect its local businesses from foreign competition. With the rise of international e-commerce platforms, the government is taking decisive steps to ensure that SMEs can thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. The situation remains dynamic, with the government poised to continue its scrutiny of foreign apps operating in Indonesia.
(Becky)
