Previously we have posted regulatory news about the draft of technical standard for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and now we would like to bring new update on it. On 22 April 2026, the Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure (DJID) has officially issued the final version of the new SAR technical standard named KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026.
This new SAR technical standard, KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026, is still focus and applicable for mobile phones and computer tablets only. By the time the regulation of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026 comes into effect, the previous regulation of KEPMEN KOMINFO No. 177 of 2024 is revoked.
In this article we will discuss all important notes from the KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026 as a new technical standard of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in Indonesia.
Key notes of the new technical standard for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
Following are summary of the 14 Dictums from the technical standard of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026 related to SAR requirements in Indonesia:
- First Dictum: Telecommunications devices of mobile phones and computer tablets must meet the established specific absorption rate limits for exposure to electric and magnetic fields on: the head; and the torso and limbs.
- Second Dictum: The specific absorption rate limits must refer to: International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guideline 1998 (ICNIRP (1998)); or International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Guideline 2020 (ICNIRP (2020)).
- Third Dictum: The mobile phones and computer tablets are used at a distance of less than 20 cm from the body and have a radiated power of more than 20 mWatt.
- Forth Dictum: The implementation of the obligation to meet the specific absorption rate limits on the head is exempted for computer tablets that are not designed for voice communication using speakers placed next to the ear.
- Fifth Dictum: Applications for testing of computer tablets not designed for voice communication using next-to-ear speakers must include: a statement stating that the computer tablet is not designed for voice communication using next-to-ear speakers; and equipment specifications stating that the computer tablet is not designed for voice communication using next-to-ear speakers.
- Sixth Dictum: Applications for certification of mobile phones and computer tablets must include: a report on the results of the specific absorption rate test; other requirements in accordance with statutory regulations; and additional requirements for computer tablets not designed for voice communication using next-to-ear speakers.
- Seventh Dictum: Submitting the SAR test reports can be exempted in the event that the local testing lab has not been able to issue a report on the results of the specific absorption rate test and temporarily attaching a Surat Keterangan from the local testing lab for the certification.
- Eighth Dictum: Applications for certification using Surat Keterangan from the local testing lab can only be used until 31 July 2027.
- Ninth Dictum: Applications of certification that use Surat Keterangan must submitting the SAR test reports no later than 14 calendar days from the date of publication of the SAR test reports.
- Tenth Dictum: In the event that based on the SAR test report of mobile phone or computer tablet does not meet the specific absorption rate limits, then the certificate holder may request a retest at most 1 time.
- Eleventh Dictum: The procedures for submitting a retesting are determined by the Director General of Digital Infrastructure, Ministry of Communication and Digital.
- Twelfth Dictum: If, based on the SAR test report and the retest results (if any), the mobile phone or computer tablet does not meet the specific absorption rate limits, the certificate holder will be subject to sanctions for not complying with the telecommunications equipment and/or device certificate in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations.
- Thirteenth Dictum: Upon the enactment of the of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026, the previous technical regulation of the KEPMEN KOMINFO No. 177 of 2024 is revoked and declared invalid.
- Fourteenth Dictum: This Ministerial Decree shall come into effect on the date of its stipulated. The technical standard of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026 was stipulated in Jakarta on 22 April 2026.
Following are the limits for exposure to electric and magnetic fields under the new SAR technical standard of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026:
| Radio Frequency Band | Limits on Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields |
| 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).” |
| 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).” |
| 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)).” |
Impact on Indonesia Type Approval
As already mentioned before, the new SAR technical regulation of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026 has been in effect since 22 April 2026. Therefore, applications for DJID certifications must be submitted using this new SAR technical regulation of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026 since its enactment.
Besides, applications of testing and DJID certifications for computer tablets may able to conduct the SAR testing on the torso and limbs only after the enactment of KEPMEN KOMDIGI No. 197 of 2026. This policy relaxation may save the overall cost for doing the SAR testing and DJID certification.
Conclusion
The implementation of this new SAR technical regulation may affect the ongoing type approval process in Indonesia. Therefore, doing early mitigation for adjustment action to ongoing certification process may be required. Feel free to send an email to info@narmadi.com if you have any questions and assistance about this new technical regulation.
