Indonesia SAR Regulation: New Compliance Rules for Telecom Devices

Mar 18
2 min read

The Indonesia SAR regulation is undergoing significant changes following a draft decree issued by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital). This update introduces mandatory Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits for telecommunication devices and is expected to replace Decree No. 177 of 2024. The new Indonesia SAR regulation aims to align national requirements with international safety standards while improving certification efficiency.

Scope and Applicability

Under the proposed Indonesia SAR regulation, the requirements apply to mobile phones and tablet computers that:

Operate at a distance of less than 20 cm from the human body
Have a radiated transmit power exceeding 20 mW

The Indonesia SAR regulation defines SAR exposure limits for:

Head
Torso/body
Limbs

These limits are based on ICNIRP 1998 and 2020 guidelines, ensuring consistency with global electromagnetic exposure standards.

Indonesia SAR Regulation: Testing and Certification Requirements

Manufacturers seeking market access must comply with established international testing standards, including:

IEC/IEEE 62209-1528
EN 50360
EN 50566

Exemptions

Tablet devices without “next-to-the-ear” voice call functionality may be exempt from head SAR testing, provided that manufacturers submit technical documentation confirming the absence of such features.

Market Surveillance

Regulators retain authority to conduct post-market surveillance. In cases of non-compliance, manufacturers are granted a one-time opportunity to re-test devices using market-sourced samples, at their own expense.

Infographic showing Indonesia SAR regulation update, including new mandatory SAR limits for mobile phones and tablets, transition from old certification system to SAR testing and market surveillance, key compliance requirements, and timeline with full implementation by July 2027.

Transitional Measures and Implementation Timeline

To address domestic laboratory capacity constraints, the regulation introduces a transitional period until 31 July 2027. During this phase:

Applicants may submit a letter from a domestic laboratory confirming scheduled SAR testing
Full SAR test reports are not yet mandatory

After the deadline, complete SAR test reports will be required for all Type Approval applications.

Legal Engineering Perspective: Compliance Strategy

From a legal engineering perspective, the Indonesia SAR regulation highlights the need for proactive compliance integration. Companies should align R&D, testing, and certification strategies early to meet regulatory requirements and ensure uninterrupted access to the Indonesian market:

Align R&D timelines with SAR testing requirements
Engage early with accredited laboratories
Monitor regulatory updates to mitigate approval delays

Proactive compliance planning will be essential to ensure uninterrupted access to the Indonesian market as enforcement becomes stricter.