Worldcoin's Operating Permit in Indonesia Reportedly Issued by BKPM
JAKARTA — The Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), Alexander Sabar, has indicated that Worldcoin's permit this year was obtained from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
"I have seen a circulating letter regarding what appears to be a business permit from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)," said Alexander Sabar at his office in Jakarta on Friday (9 May 2025).
"As for other permits, I'm afraid I might be mistaken if I were to explain that matter," he added.
Worldcoin's operations predated the official registration of its entity, Tools for Humanity (TFH), as a foreign Electronic System Operator (PSE) in 2025. Worldcoin has been operating in Indonesia since 2021.
"Going back to Tools for Humanity, what I understand from my process is the electronic system operator registration certificate," he said.
However, Alexander stressed that he did not know what specific permit was granted by BKPM.
"I don't know what permit that relates to. In my position, I only understand the registration certificate as an electronic system operator," he explained.
"Now, regarding the technology of Tools for Humanity and what purpose it serves — that is what we are currently investigating further," he continued.
Alexander confirmed that his office would coordinate with all parties involved in Worldcoin's permits, including BKPM.
"Whatever the results may be, we will certainly coordinate with the relevant parties, including BKPM," he affirmed.
In connection with Alexander Sabar's statement that Worldcoin had obtained a permit from BKPM, Kompas.com attempted to obtain a response from BKPM by contacting Investment Minister and BKPM Head Rosan Roeslani. However, BKPM had not responded by the time of publication. A WhatsApp message to Rosan showed only a single tick, and a message to Yuliot Tanjung remained unanswered.
"I have seen a circulating letter regarding what appears to be a business permit from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)," said Alexander Sabar at his office in Jakarta on Friday (9 May 2025).
"As for other permits, I'm afraid I might be mistaken if I were to explain that matter," he added.
Worldcoin's operations predated the official registration of its entity, Tools for Humanity (TFH), as a foreign Electronic System Operator (PSE) in 2025. Worldcoin has been operating in Indonesia since 2021.
"Going back to Tools for Humanity, what I understand from my process is the electronic system operator registration certificate," he said.
However, Alexander stressed that he did not know what specific permit was granted by BKPM.
"I don't know what permit that relates to. In my position, I only understand the registration certificate as an electronic system operator," he explained.
"Now, regarding the technology of Tools for Humanity and what purpose it serves — that is what we are currently investigating further," he continued.
Alexander confirmed that his office would coordinate with all parties involved in Worldcoin's permits, including BKPM.
"Whatever the results may be, we will certainly coordinate with the relevant parties, including BKPM," he affirmed.
In connection with Alexander Sabar's statement that Worldcoin had obtained a permit from BKPM, Kompas.com attempted to obtain a response from BKPM by contacting Investment Minister and BKPM Head Rosan Roeslani. However, BKPM had not responded by the time of publication. A WhatsApp message to Rosan showed only a single tick, and a message to Yuliot Tanjung remained unanswered.