Menkomdigi Asserts No Request for Takedown of Karhutla Content

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Minister of Communications and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid asserted that her office has never requested the removal of content on digital platforms related to forest and land fires (karhutla).

Meutya explained that Komdigi acknowledges the public's significant concern regarding the conditions in areas affected by karhutla, as expressed through social media.

"We want to clarify again that there has been no removal of content nor requests for content removal from Kemkomdigi to limit information regarding forest and land fires or karhutla," said Meutya in a press statement on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

Meutya remarked that information concerning karhutla is crucial for the government to assist in deciding various handling measures.

"The government also promotes information regarding karhutla through its official social media channels as part of public communication," she added.

The Golkar Party politician stated that the government welcomes factual, credible, and accountable information regarding karhutla from the public.

"Regarding the algorithm that allegedly limits information on karhutla based on the platform's community guidelines, Komdigi actually continues to advocate for accountability and transparency in algorithms from these platforms," she stated.

According to Meutya, what users see and consume on social media should be a consumer's right to choose.

"It shouldn't be unilaterally regulated by technology companies alone," she noted.

It was previously reported that a statement by Siak Regent Afni Zulkifli went viral on social media after TikTok removed content showing her planting trees in locations previously affected by karhutla.

Afni Zulkifli replanted trees in a karhutla site alongside Siak’s forkopimda at the Tanjung Buton Industrial Area (KITB), a regional state-owned enterprise, on Thursday (8/10/2026).

One of the trees planted was named General Herry, in honor of the former Riau police chief.

This activity was later posted by Afni on her verified TikTok account, Afni.Z. However, to her surprise, the video was suddenly deleted by TikTok after reaching 5 million views.

The removal of the video sparked attention from netizens.

Many criticized the action.

After critiquing her video’s removal, Afni mentioned that the deleted content has reappeared.

"Alhamdulillah. The video that was taken down earlier this evening is back after the admin stated an appeal," Afni told Kompas.com via WhatsApp message on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

The return of the deleted video was not detached from the overwhelming support from netizens for Afni.

"Thank you for the support from everyone which allowed the video to be watched again," Afni added.