Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has issued a new regulation for commercial postal services, which includes provisions on discounts for shipping fees or free shipping promotions offered by courier companies.
The ministry clarified that this regulation does not govern free shipping promotions run by e-commerce platforms, dismissing circulating public assumptions. The rule applies explicitly to courier companies, limiting discounts only in cases where the fees fall below their operational cost structure.
“We need to clarify—this regulation does not touch on free shipping promotions by e-commerce platforms. What we are regulating are shipping discounts offered directly by couriers through their own apps or service counters, which are limited to a maximum of three days per month,” explained Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of Digital Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, in Central Jakarta (05/17).
According to Edwin, the restricted discounts are those priced below the actual shipping cost, which includes courier fees, intercity transport, sorting, and other supporting services. If such discounts persist unchecked, the consequences could be severe: underpaid couriers, financial losses for courier companies, and declining service quality.
Fostering fair logistics system
The Ministerial Regulation No. 8 of 2025 on Commercial Postal Services was issued as part of the national strategy to build a more efficient, fair, and equitable logistics system. Furthermore, this regulation is expected to serve as the foundation for a comprehensive overhaul of the postal and courier ecosystem, which plays an increasingly vital role in supporting digital economic growth and national connectivity.
“The postal, courier, and logistics industry isn’t just about delivering goods—it’s about maintaining connectivity, expanding economic access, and driving the hopes of people even in remote areas,” stated Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid during a press conference at the Ministry’s office in Central Jakarta (05/16).
In more detail, Regulation 8/2025 includes provisions on collaborative service expansion, improved service quality and reliability, and strengthened consumer protection. The regulation is also expected to foster a fair and balanced business climate for all industry players, from large corporations to MSMEs. The use of environmentally friendly technology is an integral part of the government-driven reforms in the logistics sector transformation.
The logistics industry has grown significantly and directly contributes to the national economy. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the transportation and warehousing sector, including postal and courier services, grew by 9.01% year-on-year in Q1 2025. “This sector also employs over six million workers, highlighting its strategic role in supporting the people’s economy and strengthening national resilience,” Meutya concluded.
