Jakarta, Aug. 29 -- Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has urged social media platforms operating in Indonesia to open local offices, citing regulatory compliance and global norms.

"Almost all countries require platforms to establish offices-Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia. It's normal and reasonable," Nezar said in Jakarta, Friday.

He noted Indonesia's vast market, with nearly 300 million people and 80 percent internet penetration, and stressed that OTT services benefiting from it must follow local rules.

While no sanctions were mentioned, Nezar expressed hope platforms would cooperate. "We haven't discussed blocking or penalties, but we expect compliance," he said.

Minister Meutya Hafid echoed the cal...