Hornet App Removal Controversy: Komdigi Reveals the Real Reason
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has asked Apple and Google to remove the Hornet app service for users in Indonesia. This step was taken because the application does not fulfil the legal obligations applicable in the country.
“We have asked the App Store and Play Store to delist the application immediately. This is part of enforcing regulations against platforms that do not fulfil their obligations in Indonesia,” asserted Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Alexander Sabar, in an official statement, quoted on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
Alexander explained that his office received public complaints regarding Hornet containing content related to LGBTIQ+ campaigns. This matter is of particular concern because there are values, norms, and national legal provisions that must be respected. However, apart from the issue of content, Hornet is also known to have never registered as an Electronic System Operator (PSE) in Indonesia.
“From the outset, Hornet never registered as a PSE in Indonesia. This is a compliance issue that we must follow up in accordance with applicable regulations,” said Alexander.
The request to Apple and Google to delist the application is a further strict measure taken by Komdigi.
He stressed that every platform providing services in Indonesia is obliged to respect the laws and regulations in force. This obligation is binding on all service providers, regardless of their country of origin, company scale, or number of users.
According to him, digital space supervision is not limited to content monitoring, but also includes platform operators’ compliance with legal obligations and electronic system governance. Komdigi assured that it will continue to follow up on every report and complaint from the public.
“The principle is simple: anyone who wants to provide digital services to the Indonesian public must be present responsibly and comply with the applicable rules,” concluded Alexander.