Indonesia: Komdigi Decree 197/2026 Sets New SAR Limits for Mobile Phones and Tablets
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Indonesia's regulatory landscape for wireless devices has officially shifted. The Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital (Komdigi), through the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure (DJID), has published Ministerial Decree No. 197 of 2026 on April 22, 2026, introducing updated Indonesia SAR limits for mobile phones and tablet computers.
Background of the New Indonesia SAR Limits Regulation
The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measures how much radiofrequency energy the human body absorbs when using a wireless device. To protect public health, Indonesia, like most major markets, requires SAR testing as part of its type-approval process for mobile devices.
Decree No. 197 of 2026 modernizes the framework that was previously governed by Decree No. 177 of 2024, aligning Indonesia with the latest international safety benchmarks issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Scope of Decree No. 197 of 2026
The regulation applies to:
Mobile phones (cellular telecommunications devices)
Tablet computers
Specifically, devices that are:
Used at a distance less than 20 cm from the body, and
Operate with a radiated transmit power exceeding 20 mW
Key Technical Requirements: New SAR Exposure Limits
Under Decree 197/2026, certified devices must comply with SAR exposure limits for both the head and the torso/limbs, referenced to one of the two recognized standards:
ICNIRP 1998 Guidelines, or
ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines
Applicable testing standards include:
IEC/IEEE 62209-1528 (general SAR measurement)
EN 50360 / EN 50566 (European harmonized SAR standards)
Relevant FCC KDB procedures for specific test configurations
This alignment ensures that test reports prepared for global markets can be more efficiently leveraged for Indonesian certification, provided they reference the standards now recognized by DJID.
Exemptions Under the New Decree
The decree introduces an important exemption: tablet computers that are not designed for voice communication using a speaker placed next to the ear are exempt from the head SAR testing requirement.
To benefit from this exemption, manufacturers must submit technical documentation confirming the absence of next-to-the-ear voice call functionality.
What This Means for Manufacturers
For manufacturers, importers, and certification holders placing mobile phones or tablets on the Indonesian market, the implications are concrete:
All new DJID certification applications submitted on or after April 22, 2026 must reference Decree No. 197 of 2026, not the now-revoked Decree 177/2024.
Existing devices already certified under Decree 177/2024 should be reviewed to confirm continued compliance under the updated framework.
Tablet manufacturers can now leverage the head SAR exemption if their devices do not support next-to-the-ear voice calls — but only with proper technical justification.
Local testing capacity at BBPPT (the Indonesian government testing center) is expected to expand to reduce queue times, but planning lead times for testing remains critical.
Non-compliant devices will be subject to penalties under Indonesian telecommunications regulations.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before (Decree 177/2024) | After (Decree 197/2026) |
Reference standards | ICNIRP-based (older reference) | ICNIRP 1998 or ICNIRP 2020 |
Test methods | Pre-existing test methods | IEC/IEEE 62209-1528, EN 50360/50566, KDB procedures |
Tablet head SAR | Generally required | Exempt for tablets without next-to-ear voice |
Effective date | March 7, 2024 | April 22, 2026 |
Status | Revoked | In force |
Issuing authority | Kominfo / SDPPI | Komdigi / DJID |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key dates:
February 19, 2026 — DJID publishes draft Technical Standards for SAR for public consultation.
February 27, 2026 — Deadline for stakeholder comments on the draft decree.
April 22, 2026 — Decree No. 197 of 2026 issued and enters into force; Decree 177/2024 revoked.
From April 22, 2026 onward — All new DJID certification applications must comply with Decree 197/2026.
Required actions for manufacturers and certification holders:
Review your product portfolio to identify all mobile phones and tablets already certified or pending certification in Indonesia.
Confirm SAR test reports reference ICNIRP 1998 or 2020 and the recognized testing standards (IEC/IEEE 62209-1528, EN 50360/50566, KDB).
For tablet products, assess whether the head SAR exemption applies and prepare the supporting technical documentation.
Engage your in-country representative or local lab to align future certification submissions with Decree 197/2026 references.
Monitor further Komdigi/DJID guidance on transitional handling of certificates issued under Decree 177/2024.
Decree No. 197 of 2026 is a significant modernization of Indonesia SAR limits, bringing national requirements in line with current ICNIRP guidelines and clarifying obligations for both mobile phones and tablet computers. With the regulation now in force, manufacturers should act promptly to align their testing strategy, certification documentation, and product portfolios with the new DJID framework.
