Indonesia’s Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy
Approved in 2025, PANDI’s Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy Version 8.0 introduces a comprehensive overhaul of Indonesia’s .id domain dispute system. The new policy expands the scope of protection, codifies international standards, and implements ‘stronger’ procedures for dispute verification, mediation, panel formation, and enforcement. Our blog will go through the relevant changes, procedural requirements, and implications for IP holders and businesses operating in Indonesia.
Context: Why PPND Policy 8.0 Matters
As Indonesia’s digital economy expands, domain names are now much more in line with brand identity and reputation. The previous Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (Version 7.1) was limited in scope and lacked procedural clarity. Version 8.0 responds to rising cybersquatting, domain abuse, and the need for harmonization with global standards (ICANN UDRP, WIPO Overview). The policy is bilingual (Indonesian/English), but the Indonesian text prevails in case of interpretation disputes.
Key Substantive Changes from Version 7.1
1. Domain Name Dispute Grounds
Under the previous PPND Policy Version 7.1, domain name disputes comprised trademark-based complaints and other-based complaints, including name-based complaints and complaints relating to the management of registrant domain names.
The updated PPND Policy Version 8.0 streamlines the dispute grounds into two categories only, i.e.: trademark-based complaints and name-based complaint with the following grounds:
- The domain is identical or confusingly similar to their registered name/trademark.
- The registrant has no legitimate rights or interests in the domain.
- The domain was registered or used in bad faith.
Complaints relating to the management of registrant domain names that previously classified under other-based complaints and arising from disputes over registration, use, and/or management of domain names or alleged non-compliance with laws and regulations, have been abolished.
2. Dispute Verification Requirement
Before filing, complainants must complete a dispute verification step to comply with Whois privacy protocols. This involves submitting a request for Whois data, which is reviewed and returned via encrypted communication.
Failure to meet verification requirements results in automatic withdrawal of the complaint.
3. Mandatory Mediation Process
Under the updated PPND Policy Version 8.0, both the Complainant and the Respondent may opt for mediation. The dispute may be resolved through mediation administered by PANDI, mediation conducted by an external mediator, or a direct settlement between the parties – clarifying the mediation mechanism accepted by PANDI.
4. Panel and Decision Timeline
Panels may consist of 1, 3, 7, or 9 members, depending on the case complexity and domain type. Parties may request larger panels but must share the additional costs.
Administrative and panel fees are clearly defined and tiered by domain count and panel size. For example, a single-panellist dispute over 1–2 domains costs IDR 15.5 million; a three-panelist case costs IDR 34.5 million.
PPND Policy Version 8.0 also now regulates that direct communication between the parties and the Panel is expressly prohibited. Any violation of this rule results in the appointment of a new Panel to adjudicate the dispute.
Panel decisions are final and binding, with no internal appeal. Enforcement is quick, registrars must implement decisions within 7 days.
5. Integration with ICANN UDRP and WIPO Standards
Panels may refer to ICANN UDRP and WIPO Overview for issues not covered by the policy, ensuring alignment with global best practices.
Legal Certainty: The policy is anchored in Indonesian law (PP 71/2019), and transitional provisions ensure all disputes filed after August 8, 2025, are subject to Version 8.0.
Strategic Implications
For Rights Holders and Corporates, Indonesia’s updated domain dispute rules strengthen brand and reputation protection by allowing challenges not only to trademark-infringing domains but also to those misusing registered personal or company names. Businesses should proactively register key domains under the “first come, first served” system, prepare clear evidence of bad-faith conduct, and ensure all legal documents are properly submitted. Understanding fees, considering mediation, and engaging local Indonesian counsel (required for foreign entities) helps streamline the process and improve the chances of a successful resolution.
For IP practitioners, the new rules require updating complaint templates to reflect expanded definitions and mandatory verification and mediation steps. Practitioners should prepare mediation strategies early, guide clients on appropriate panel sizes and related costs, and continuously monitor published decisions to identify emerging precedents as well as strengthen dispute strategies.
Common Challenges and Risk Mitigation
Common challenges in domain disputes include verification delays caused by incomplete documentation, the absence of an internal appeal process that requires parties to present their strongest case from the outset, and rising fees for multi-domain or multi-panelist filings. Additionally, the Indonesian version of the policy prevails, creating potential interpretation issues for foreign parties.
Careful preparation and early risk assessment are essential to mitigate these risks.
For straightforward advice on domain dispute strategy, portfolio audits, or enforcement under PANDI Policy 8.0, contact SKC Law at enquiries@skclaw.id. Follow us on LinkedIn for ongoing IP updates. Submit a custom inquiry via our Contact Page.
