The platform, which is owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, announced the suspension in a statement on Saturday, noting that the measure will last “for the next few days.”
“In light of the increasing violence in protests in Indonesia, we are taking additional security measures to keep TikTok a safe and civil space. As part of this measure, we are voluntarily suspending the TikTok LIVE feature for the next few days in Indonesia,” the company explained.
While the live feature has been paused, TikTok assured users that its broader platform will remain operational. The company also reiterated that it would continue to enforce its community guidelines and take down posts that violate its policies.
Indonesia is one of TikTok’s largest markets globally, with over 100 million registered accounts. The platform has become deeply embedded in the country’s digital culture, particularly among younger users who rely on it for entertainment, social connection, and increasingly, political expression.
The suspension comes at a delicate time for TikTok in Southeast Asia, where governments have been scrutinizing how social media platforms handle misinformation, online agitation, and public safety during moments of political tension. Analysts suggest the temporary halt of the live feature may be a proactive step to reduce risks of the app being misused to amplify unrest.
TikTok has not provided a specific date for when the feature will be restored but emphasized that the suspension is temporary.