End of the Wikimedia Saga That Was Once Threatened with Blocking by the State

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The dynamics between the Indonesian government and the Wikimedia Foundation, which had sparked threats of blocking, have finally subsided. After intensive communication, the Wikipedia operator is now pursuing compliance by registering as an Electronic System Operator (PSE). Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Viada Hafid announced that the registration process has begun. “There is already an agreement, including a commitment to comply with applicable laws in Indonesia,” said Meutya at the Ministry of Communication and Digital office on Tuesday (28/4/2026). “All PSEs are required to register. Whether foreign or local, for-profit or non-profit,” Meutya stated. She added that this policy is part of user protection in the digital space. “This is within the framework of user protection and law enforcement. All platforms must comply with regulations applicable in Indonesia,” she continued. The polemic began when the Wikimedia community in Indonesia announced the potential blocking of their services, including Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. In their statement, it was mentioned, “Wikimedia Project websites, including Wikipedia, will be blocked by the Ministry of Communication and Digital within 7 working days if they do not register as a private scope PSE in Indonesia.” The Wikimedia side even once viewed the PSE obligation as a form of censorship in the digital space. However, the government has a different perspective. “If there is still no compliance with laws in Indonesia, we will take firm steps in the form of blocking,” she said. The threat triggered public concern and drew attention from Commission I of the DPR RI. Deputy Chairman of Commission I Dave Laksono warned of the broad impact if access to Wikipedia is restricted.