Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia encouraged Chinese video hosting service TikTok to partner with local investors or companies for business-to-business ventures since the government is open to such collaborations, provided they are in line with business policies and regulations. Minister Bahlil addressed the issue on Monday (27/11/2023) amid speculation that TikTok would partner with Indonesian e-commerce giants, including GoTo (Gojek-Tokopedia). While acknowledging the plans, the minister stressed that the government would not intervene as long as the cooperation remained within the business-to-business framework and didn't disrupt the existing policy framework. Earlier reports suggested that TikTok was communicating with Indonesian e-commerce companies, including Tokopedia, Bukalapak and CT Corp-affiliated platforms. However, as of 22 November 2023, TikTok had not applied for the necessary permits for e-commerce operations, according to the Ministry of Trade. Rifan Ardianto, director of e-commerce trading through electronic systems at the Ministry of Trade, asserted that TikTok Shop needs to obtain the Electronic Trading Business Licence (PMSE) to engage in electronic transactions. (mg/inp/pr/nm)