The Ministry of Communication and Digital of Indonesia has published a draft ministerial decree introducing mandatory Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits for mobile phones and tablets. Published on February 19, 2026, the regulation aims to strengthen user safety by controlling exposure to electromagnetic fields and aligning national requirements with international guidelines, specifically ICNIRP 1998 and ICNIRP 2020 standards.

The proposed regulation applies to devices used within 20 cm of the body and with radiated power above 20 mW, covering SAR limits for the head, body, and limbs. It also establishes updated certification requirements, including the obligation to submit SAR test reports as part of the approval process. A transitional period until July 31, 2027 is предусмотрено, allowing the use of provisional documentation from domestic testing laboratories where full SAR reports are not yet available.

Additionally, the framework introduces post-market surveillance measures, including random testing of devices available on the market and the possibility of re-testing non-compliant products. Devices that fail to meet SAR limits may face regulatory sanctions. This draft replaces the previous 2024 regulation and reflects Indonesia’s effort to enhance regulatory oversight, ensure device safety, and harmonize with global electromagnetic exposure standards, while posing compliance and testing capacity challenges for industry stakeholders.

The proposed SAR regulation in Indonesia represents a moderate regulatory and compliance impact on the telecommunications device ecosystem, particularly for manufacturers, importers, and certification bodies. While it does not introduce entirely new technical concepts, it significantly strengthens and formalizes SAR compliance requirements, aligning them with international standards and reinforcing market surveillance mechanisms.

• Strengthening of SAR compliance framework: Introduces clearer and mandatory SAR limits based on ICNIRP 1998 and 2020, improving user safety and regulatory clarity.
• Impact on certification processes: Requires submission of SAR test reports, increasing the complexity and rigor of device approval procedures.
• Transitional challenges for testing capacity: Temporary allowance for lab statements highlights current limitations in local testing infrastructure until July 2027.
• Post-market surveillance reinforcement: Random testing and re-testing obligations increase compliance risks for non-conforming devices already in the market.
• Operational and cost implications: Manufacturers and importers may face higher costs related to testing, certification, and potential re-evaluation of devices.
• Alignment with global standards: Facilitates international harmonization, potentially easing market access but requiring stricter compliance.
• Limited direct consumer disruption: No immediate impact on connectivity or functionality, but improves long-term safety assurance.

Who?

• Device manufacturers: Must ensure compliance with updated SAR limits and testing requirements.
• Importers and distributors: Responsible for ensuring certified devices meet SAR regulations before market entry.
• Testing laboratories: Face increased demand and pressure to deliver SAR test reports.
• Regulatory authorities: Strengthen oversight through certification and market surveillance.
• Telecom certification bodies: Involved in approval and compliance verification processes.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s proposed SAR regulation introduces a meaningful but manageable compliance shift for the telecom device industry. Its impact is medium, driven by stricter certification, testing requirements, and market surveillance rather than disruptive technological change. The regulation enhances user safety and aligns with global standards, while posing short-term challenges related to testing capacity and compliance costs.