On April 22, 2026, Indonesia, through the Directorate General of Digital Information (DJID), officially issued Ministerial Decree No. 197 of 2026. This decree pertains to the new Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) technical standard for mobile phones and tablet computers in Indonesia.
This latest regulation automatically replaces the previous Ministerial Decree No. 177 of 2024 regarding SAR technical standards. Some of the key updates in this regulation include specific absorption rate limits, exemptions from obligations, and the issuance of test laboratory certificates.
We will try to outline the latest regulations regarding the SAR technical standard from Ministerial Decree No. 197 of 2026 for you so that they are easy to understand.
Limits in the New SAR Technical Standard
The latest regulations establish specific absorption rate limits for exposure to electric and magnetic fields on the head, torso, and limbs. These absorption rates must be met by mobile phones and tablet computers.
These devices are used at a distance of less than 20 cm from the body and have a radiated power output of more than 20 mW.
These specific absorption rate limits are based on the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guideline 1998 (ICNIRP (1998)) or the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guideline 2020 (ICNIRP (2020)).
The following are the limits for exposure to electric and magnetic fields under the new SAR technical standard:
| No | Radio Frequency Band | Limits on Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields |
| 1 | Up to 10 GHz | Refer to “Table 4. Basic restrictions for time-varying electric and magnetic fields for frequencies up to 10 GHz” in the document “International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guidelines 1998 (ICNIRP 1998).” |
| 2 | 100 kHz to 300 GHz, for average intervals of ≥ 6 minutes as applicable | Refer to “Table 2. Basic restrictions for electromagnetic field exposure from 100 kHz to 300 GHz, for averaging intervals ≥ 6 min” in the document “International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guidelines 2000 (ICNIRP 2000).” |
| 3 | 100 kHz to 300 GHz, for average intervals of >0 to <6 minutes as applicable | Refer to “Table 3. Basic restrictions for electromagnetic field exposure from 100 kHz to 300 GHz, for integration intervals >0 to <6 min” in the document “International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guidelines 2000 (ICNIRP (2000)). |
Exemptions from SAR limit compliance requirements
Not all devices are required to comply with the SAR limit requirements of the new technical standard. Computer tablets that are not designed for voice communication using speakers placed next to the ear are not required to comply with these limits.
Provided that a statement is attached indicating that the device is not designed for use with speakers placed next to the ear, and that the device specifications are included.
Testing Methods
The SAR technical standard testing methods are divided into two categories: head, torso, and limbs.
Head testing:
- IEC/IEEE 62209-1528 or EN 50360:2017
- KDB 941225 D01
- KDB 914225 D05
- KDB 914225 D05A
- KDB 447498 D01
- Or equivalent to IEC 62209-1
Torso and limb testing:
- IEC/IEEE 62209-1528 or EN 50566:2017
- KDB 941225 D01
- KDB 914225 D05
- KDB 914225 D05A
- KDB 447498 D01
- Or equivalent to IEC 62209-2
What About Testing Laboratories That Cannot Issue Testing Reports?
The process of conducting the SAR technical standard at testing laboratories is long. In this case, DJID grants an exemption to domestic testing laboratories that are unable to provide specific absorption rate results, allowing them to issue a certificate of compliance.
This letter contains information regarding the issuance date of the specific absorption rate test report. This report must be submitted to the Director of Services at DJID no later than 14 calendar days from the date of issuance of the certificate. This exemption provision is valid until July 31, 2027, at the latest.
Impact on Indonesia Type Approval
The implementation of the new SAR technical standard will certainly impact Indonesia’s type approval process. Effective April 22, 2026, Ministerial Decree No. 177 of 2024 will no longer be in effect.
Testing standards will now be referenced as Ministerial Decree No. 197 of 2026. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must take note of this to ensure their devices comply with the latest applicable standards.
For devices that do not meet the standards, penalties will apply in accordance with applicable regulations.