Indonesia`s largest operator Block Netflix

Ilustrasi (dok)

JAKARTA (IndoTelko) - PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (Telkom) have taken further step than the government in respond to Netflix by blocking the video streaming, given that the company have not yet meet Indonesian regulations.

State owned telecommunication operator have blocked the American video streaming service is for all Telkom Group's customers (IndiHome, WiFi.id, and Telkomsel) as it contains pornographic content.

"We are blocking Netflix because we want to protect our consumers," said Telkom Group CEO Alex J. Sinaga in Jakarta, Wednesday (27/1).

Alex said that Netflix's content contains many films which have not been censored by the Indonesian Film Censorship Board in accordance with Law 33/2009 on Films.

"We are pro-actively blocking Netflix until they meet Indonesian regulations and other provisions," he said.

Telkom Consumer Director Dian Rachmawan added that Telkom decided to block Netflix since January 27, 2016 at 00.00 hrs.

"We want them to do business in comply with the Indonesian regulation. In overseas they (Netflix) are cooperating with several operators, but why don’t they do it here? In fact, the cooperation may generate numerous benefits for both parties," he explained.

Dian said that violence and pornography contents can be filtered to customers IndiHome, wiFi.id, and Telkomsel if Netflix is willing to cooperate with Telkom

"For direct cooperation, we can manage the Netflix using the via Over the Top (OTT) platform owned by Telkom. This blocking action will not impact our customers, they (Netflix) is still a small player here. Meanwhile we should teach them to obey the applied regulations," Dian said.

Supported
Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Rudiantara supported Telkom's action blocking Netflix because it did not meet Indonesian regulations. "First, I support Telkom's action. That is their judgment of business. So it’s okay," the minister said.

Rudiantara said that until now there have been no comprehensive regulations governing Netflix. "It is not really effective by just using the censorship regulation. Neither do broadcasting regulation that cannot accommodate all. That's why we want to issue comprehensive rules for Over the Top (OTT) such as Netflix that is involving multiple stakeholders," Rudiantara said.

The government's have asked Netflix should to be a legal entity or cooperating with telecom operators in Indonesia. Another option offered is that Netflix must have permissions as a content provider’s organizer.

"That is all we ask, so that there are equal playing field with local players such as vidio.com, Genflix, and others," he said.

While the organizers of the Director General of Post and Information (PPI) Kalamullah Ramli added that they have prepared two regulation options for OTT players like Netflix.

"First, we would revise the Minister's regulation on Multimedia content or make new regulation that is more comprehensive," he said.

Until now, there has been no communication from the OTT to the government since it was blocked by Telkom.

"We're just waiting for them to come. It is good that Telkom have blocked, let them know the condition of Indonesia," he said.

While the member of the Indonesian Telecommunications Regulatory Body Committee (BRTI) I Ketut Prihadi Krishna said on Wednesday (27/1), the Telkom Group will discuss the matter with the regulator.

"Basically, we agree with Telkom. As long as no customers are harmed while waiting for pending revision The Minister's Regulation on Multimedia Content (PM 21/2013)," he said.

Two organizations namely the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel) and Indonesia Mobile and Content Providers Association, also supports Telkom's action.

"Since Netflix was launched in Indonesia, MASTEL has suggested that government should block the service because it is not in accordance with the applicable provisions such Act Broadcasting and Film. We have also sent a letter to the government about this," said MASTEL Chairman Kristiono.

Kristiono said that if Telkom finally taking step to block Netflix because they are comply with the regulations in the country, it is a good attitude based on prudence.

"The government now should immediately take a firm stand according applicable laws and regulations to provide certainty to the businesses and people," he said.

He also recommends that government must also take firm stance as to provide a good and fair business climate.

"It is appropriate that every business doers, both national and foreign must comply and obedient, and willing to adapt to the prevailing regulations," he concluded.

MASTEL Institute Chairman Nonot Harsono added that Netflix is clearly an act of doing business in Indonesia by offering products directly to the people.

"This is a company that came from the most civilized country in the universe. Everyone also knows that there are three components of the state, namely the territory, people, and government. You cannot do business directly to the region and the people, but ignored the local government. That is a disgraceful international behavior and insulting the Indonesian nation," he said.

"It is good that Telkom group have blocked Netflix. It means that they have a national consciousness, Telkom group is a proud Indonesian," he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesia Mobile and Content Providers Association (IMOCA) Puspa Evi admitted that she was engaged in discussions with Telkom before blocking Netflix on January 27, 2016.

"During the discussion, we have examined Netflix content. They also openly offer pornographic content. It's a clear violation of the regulation," she said.

Puspa expected that Telkom's action is able to get Netflix to the negotiating table either with to the operator or regulator.

"Later they can enter Indonesia by cooperating with operators or with local companies. The most important is that they must comply to the regulation first. We, the local players obey the rules, so do they must be," she said.

Puspa also said that hopefully people can see more clearly about Telkom's action to enforce the regulation and sovereignty in Indonesian cyberspace.

"In this Internet business and many have mistakenly consider it as free. Referring to their operations overseas, Netflix is clearly willing to cooperate with local players. Telkom has taken bold move to immediately blocked Netflix," she concluded. (Es)