Modern society is always captivated by the latest in technology. Recently, the World App, part of the Worldcoin ecosystem, gained widespread attention across social media platforms and began appearing in public areas throughout Jakarta and nearby regions.
The app sparked national conversation after Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Kemkomdigi) decided to suspend its operations.
The reason? It was deemed unlicensed and potentially risky for users.
One major reason the World App became so popular in Indonesia was its promise of financial incentives for users willing to undergo biometric iris scans.
What Is the World App?
The World App is a digital wallet application developed by Tools for Humanity, a company linked to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.
This app is part of the Worldcoin ecosystem, a global project combining blockchain technology and digital identity systems. It gives easy access to World Network.
Through the World App, users can create a World ID, a digital identity obtained after biometric verification via iris scanning.
This process takes place at designated locations, and upon successful verification, regional policies determine the amount of money/Worldcoin users receive, ranging from IDR 300,000 to IDR 800,000.
Government Response and Regulatory Action
On 4 May 2025, Kemkomdigi announced the temporary suspension of Worldcoin and WorldID services.
“This freeze is a preventive measure to prevent potential risks to the public,” said Kemkomdigi’s Director General of Digital Space Supervision, Alexander Sabar, in a press statement in Jakarta, Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Kemkomdigi also plans to summon representatives from PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara, the local partners of the service, to investigate alleged violations in the operation of electronic systems.
As reported by Kompas, initial findings show PT Terang Bulan Abadi was not registered as an official electronic system provider and does not have a registration mark for electronic system providers (TDPSE) in accordance with applicable regulations. Instead, services were recorded under PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
“Worldcoin services are recorded using TDPSE on behalf of another legal entity, PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara,” Alexander added.
Discover The Key Features of the World App
The World App offers more than just a digital wallet. This tool can help you manage all your cryptocurrencies in exchange for giving up your iris code. Its integrated features include:
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1. World ID Creation
A digital identity ensures users are real human, not bots or fake entities.
2. Crypto Wallet (Worldcoin)
Allows users to store, send, and earn crypto assets seamlessly.
3. Access to dApps
Enables exploration of decentralised applications (dApps) within the blockchain ecosystem.
4. Financial Inclusion
Aims to provide digital financial access to those excluded from traditional banking.
5. Token Grants
Verified users receive Worldcoin tokens as incentives for participation.
Privacy Concerns Surrounding Worldcoin
Despite its innovative approach, Worldcoin faces criticism over:
– Biometric data storage
– Potential misuse of personal information
– Lack of regulatory compliance
Developers insist that iris scanning ensures security and prevents fraud, but scepticism remains.
Who Created the World App?
Developed by Tools for Humanity, the World App is backed by Sam Altman, the person behind OpenAI and ChatGPT. His involvement has drawn significant attention to Worldcoin, positioning it as a serious attempt to revolutionise digital identity and finance. But is it true?
How Does the World App Work?
The World App is available for download on the Play Store and App Store. To obtain a World ID, users must visit an Orb, which is a biometric verification device for iris scanning.
In Indonesia, Orb verification offices were located in Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi, but operations have been suspended following government intervention.
Why Was Worldcoin Suspended in Indonesia?
The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kemkomdigi) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) froze Worldcoin’s operations due to:
– Lack of proper licensing
– Potential risks to user data privacy
– Reports of suspicious activities
Authorities also plan to summon PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara, the local entities associated with Worldcoin, for further clarification.
Public Backlash: Bekasi Residents Demand Payments
On 5 May 2025, frustrated residents from Bekasi City and Regency stormed WorldID offices after promised biometric data payments were not delivered.
Three offices located on Jalan Raya Narogong (Rawalumbu District), Ampera (East Bekasi), and Grand Boulevard Shophouse (Tarumajaya, Bekasi Regency) were all shut down.
Despite residents coming to either collect payments or register their iris data, operations were suspended following the government’s decision.
While the World App offers groundbreaking features in digital identity and crypto, its suspension in Indonesia highlights regulatory challenges. Whether Worldcoin will resume operations depends on compliance with local laws and public trust.
