Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has unveiled a transformative policy shift aimed at localizing the testing of telecommunications equipment. By the end of 2026, the majority of compliance testing for such devices is expected to be conducted within the country. This initiative—championed by Minister Meutya Hafid—is part of a broader national effort to strengthen Indonesia’s digital autonomy.
A New Era with the Indonesia Digital Test House (IDTH)
In the past, the limited availability of accredited domestic facilities compelled manufacturers to rely on overseas laboratories to meet testing requirements. That landscape is now changing. The launch of the Indonesia Digital Test House (IDTH) marks a major investment in domestic capability, offering end-to-end testing infrastructure that meets international benchmarks.
As the country’s flagship test facility, IDTH is designed to reduce dependence on foreign labs and provide a reliable, recognized alternative for both local and international manufacturers seeking type approval in Indonesia.
Key Regulatory Objectives
The government’s new direction is centered on creating a robust, self-sufficient compliance ecosystem, with goals that include:
Accrediting domestic labs under the “Balai Uji Dalam Negeri” (BUDN) framework, reducing the need for overseas testing.
Ensuring that all local testing adheres to global standards for validity, reproducibility, and transparency.
Aligning testing methodologies with international best practices through partnerships with the National Standardization Agency (BSN).
Collaboration with BSN to Accelerate Implementation
To support this shift, a formal collaboration between Kominfo and BSN has been established. This partnership will play a key role in:
- Accelerating the accreditation of local test labs.
- Ensuring that conformity assessment procedures are consistent and credible.
- Eliminating unnecessary delays in the approval process by minimizing administrative barriers.
The result is a streamlined certification pathway that strengthens trust in Indonesia’s regulatory framework and enhances the global standing of its testing institutions.
What This Means for Industry Stakeholders
For manufacturers and importers, this policy update signifies an impending change in how telecom equipment is certified for the Indonesian market. Companies should prepare for:
Mandatory use of IDTH or other accredited domestic labs for regulatory testing.
Transition away from reliance on foreign test reports, except in limited, predefined cases.
Regular monitoring of implementation timelines and lab accreditation status, as outlined by Kominfo.
Conclusion: A Strategic Pivot for Market Access and National Control
Indonesia’s move to localize telecom testing reflects more than just regulatory reform—it’s a strategic realignment of its digital economy. With cost efficiencies, faster turnaround times, and a stronger local infrastructure, the new framework is expected to benefit both regulators and the private sector. For manufacturers, aligning early with these changes will be essential to maintaining smooth market access in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies.
