• TikTok suspends its live feature in Indonesia for a few days due to escalating violence from protests.
• The move follows the death of a motorcyclist hit by a police vehicle, sparking widespread unrest.
• Protests have occurred nationwide, leading to multiple fatalities and property damage.

TikTok announced on Saturday, August 30, that it has temporarily suspended its live feature in Indonesia for "a few days" in response to escalating violence during protests. The protests ignited after a tragic incident where a police vehicle fatally struck a motorcyclist, leading to significant unrest in major cities such as Jakarta and Makassar. A spokesperson for TikTok stated, "Due to escalating violence during protests in Indonesia, we have voluntarily introduced additional safeguards to keep TikTok a safe and civil space," according to Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

The protests intensified on Friday, with demonstrations erupting across several regions, including Surabaya, Bali, and Lombok. The unrest has led to significant violence, including a fire at a local council building where three people lost their lives. The police utilized teargas to disperse crowds in various locations, demonstrating the state's commitment to controlling the situation. Reports indicate that many users on TikTok expressed their grievances about the inability to use the live feature amidst the turmoil, as highlighted by videos shared on the platform, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

The Indonesian government has urged social media platforms, including TikTok, to enhance content moderation due to the spread of disinformation related to the protests. This demand was made during a meeting with representatives from various tech firms, indicating official concern over the role that social media plays in exacerbating civil unrest. TikTok stated they plan to continue monitoring the situation closely, reaffirming their strategy to remove any content that violates community guidelines. Amid these developments, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has postponed a planned visit to China, aiming to stay engaged with the domestic situation, according to India Times and The Jakarta Post.