112 Students Radicalised via Social Media and Online Games: KemenPPPA Response

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Digital radicalism poses an increasing threat to children. This is evident from the widespread dissemination of radical ideologies through digital platforms such as social media, online games with private chat features, and other digital platforms. According to the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), approximately 112 students across 26 provinces have been exposed to radical ideologies via social media and online games, with an average age of 13. The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) acknowledges that digital radicalism, violent extremism, and intolerance propaganda pose a serious threat to children. “Radical content enters through emotional appeals, exclusive closed digital communities, and the exploitation of social media algorithms that amplify exposure to children. The use of social media, video platforms, online games, and messaging apps makes children increasingly vulnerable to hate speech, violent incitement, and radical ideologies,” said Titi Eko Rahayu, Deputy for Special Child Protection at KemenPPPA, in a statement on Wednesday (27 May 2026). Titi stated that child protection efforts cannot rely solely on content blocking or law enforcement; they must also be complemented by strengthening family resilience and enhancing child mentoring capacity. She believes parents and the surrounding community play a crucial role in creating a safe space for children. “Therefore, family education on healthy monitoring and communication patterns in the digital space must also be reinforced,” Titi added. KemenPPPA has frequently conducted education through awareness campaigns, advocacy, and early detection training on radical ideologies for parents, teachers, and children. However, children are now deeply embedded in digital spaces, requiring protection strategies to adapt to their evolving online interaction patterns. “Child protection in digital spaces cannot be handled piecemeal and requires robust prevention strategies through targeted education. We are revising educational materials to help children better recognise radical content,” Titi said. In terms of regulation, the government has enacted Law No. 1 of 2024 amending Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions, which mandates Electronic System Providers to protect children using or accessing digital services. Article 16A (1) requires digital platforms to implement age verification mechanisms, age-appropriate access restrictions, and channels for reporting digital service abuse against children. The government has also strengthened child protection governance through Presidential Regulation No. 83 of 2025 on the Digital Child Protection Roadmap, a national guideline for creating safe and child-friendly digital spaces.