Six Ways to Compensate for Unused Internet Data

As an active social media user, Randi Dwi often buys internet data packages to keep up with his routine of browsing the internet. But there's one thing he often complains about: expired quota.

On one occasion, Randi bought an internet package from one operator for 14 gigabits with a 28-day validity period. The problem arose when Randi's remaining 1.5 gigabits of quota suddenly expired before the validity period ended. As a result, Randi vented his frustration on Threads. "This is really a violation of consumer rights," he said, as quoted on Monday (7/9/2026).

This controversy has also been felt by others. Some parties have filed lawsuits with the Constitutional Court (MK) since March 2026. However, the MK repeatedly threw out those lawsuits.

It wasn't until 23 July 2026 that online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver Didi Supandi, online food vendor Wahyu Triana Sari, and lecturer/advocate Rega Felix filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court challenging the forfeiture of unused internet quota.

The ruling was granted by the MK on Thursday (23/7/2026). According to the MK, payment for internet quota creates a right for consumers to use the quota they have purchased. What needs to be protected is not the quota itself, but rather the economic value and benefit of the paid-for service that the consumer has not yet fully enjoyed.

"In this case, the real issue is not whether the 'data' owned by a telecommunications service user constitutes an object or not, but rather whether the consumer has a right to the economic benefit of a service that has already been paid for," the MK said, as quoted from Detik.com, Monday.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has recently banned operators from eliminating customers' paid-for remaining internet quota. Under Letter No. 4 of 2026 on the Obligation to Provide Service Options and Protect Remaining Quota, operators are also prohibited from charging additional fees to retain or use that remaining quota.

"Quota that has already been paid for by the customer is the customer's right. The remaining quota must not simply be forfeited, and operators may not charge additional fees to retain that remaining quota," said Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid firmly in Central Jakarta, Saturday (29/08/2026).

This policy follows up on the Constitutional Court's ruling on 23 July 2026. Meutya emphasized that the policy is intended to ensure customers receive a fair benefit from the telecommunications services they have paid for.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has proposed six suggestions: quota accumulation (rollover), no quota accumulation (non-rollover), extension of the active period, benefit transfer, compensation, and refunds.

Meutya claimed the policy will give customers the opportunity to choose the service option that suits their needs.

"Previously, service options were mostly determined by the operator. Now we're making sure customers have a choice. Customers have the right to choose a service that fits their needs and usage patterns, rather than having the operator choose for them," Meutya said.

Economist at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Prof. Dr. Anton Agus Setyawan, S.E., M.Si., said that if the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs' policy cuts into internet operators' profits, adjustments to internet package rates could follow. "They (the operators) have revenue and profit targets," he said when contacted on Monday (7/9/2026).

However, a decision to raise prices becomes a double-edged sword for internet operators. If one operator raises prices while others hold to old pricing, customers could potentially switch to look for cheaper packages.

Anton said that if a price increase is unavoidable for internet operators, the alternative is to focus on how internet service can be improved. "For example, by keeping the internet connection stable," added the Head of UMS' Master of Management Program.

Anton viewed this policy as beneficial to consumers. The policy also has the potential to change consumer behavior. Old quota that remains active will encourage the public to increase their internet use for various purposes, from seeking entertainment and reading news to expanding business lines.

"This policy benefits consumers. What's clear is that cheaper credit will definitely increase demand for internet use," Anton said.

Indah Maulani, S.H., M.H., a lecturer at UMS' Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, said the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs' move is a form of protection for the economic value of internet quota that the public has not yet been able to use.

That said, Indah noted this policy could still be followed by changes to package design, tariffs, and terms of use. That's because internet operators still have room to set or adjust rates within the bounds of the applicable rules.

"It's possible for an operator to formally comply with the regulation, but then introduce new terms and conditions that make it difficult for consumers to actually enjoy the benefit of their remaining quota," she said.

Indah urged that any tariff adjustments be carried out transparently. She noted that in the Constitutional Court's ruling, it was emphasized that if tariff adjustments are to be made, the government and telecommunications providers need to involve parties with a stake in telecommunications services, as well as consumer protection institutions.

"Price adjustments may be carried out in accordance with the regulations, but consumers must not be asked to pay twice for a benefit they have already paid for," she said.

Indah said the government must oversee the implementation of this policy. That oversight needs to cover various aspects, from the administrative side through to the substance and on-the-ground implementation of the policy. She cautioned against the emergence of requirements that burden consumers in using their remaining internet quota.

"We can't let a situation arise where, on paper, remaining quota is no longer forfeited, but consumers then find it difficult to use it because there are terms and conditions that weren't clearly communicated," she said firmly.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva