Apple has been asked by the Indonesian government to block the Chinese retailer Temu from the App Store, to try and protect small businesses in the country.
Temu has become a major force in online shopping in a short space of time, thanks to its low-priced inventory. However, in one country’s case, it is trying to take action by making it harder to shop through it.
The government of Indonesia has requested Apple and Google block access to Temu’s app, so that citizens can’t download it, reports Reuters.
The request is being made by ministers as a preemptive measure to protect its small and medium-sized businesses from the retailer. It’s also being made despite there not having been any recorded transactions through the app by the country’s residents.
Calling Temu “unhealthy competition,” communications minister Budi Arie Setiadi said “We’re not here to protect e-commerce, but we protect small and medium enterprises. There are millions we must protect.”
So far, Apple and Google have yet to respond to the request, with Temu downloadable in both regional app storefronts.
Along with the app blocking request, the government wants to block any attempt by Temu to invest in local e-commerce ventures. Again, this is preemptive, as Temu hasn’t yet made any such investments.
Temu isn’t the only company being targeted by the government. Shein is also anticipated to receive the same treatment in the future, Budi claimed.
The government has previously forced TikTok to close its e-commerce services in the country in 2023. This prompted TikTok to buy a majority stake in GoTo to continue sales in the region.