70 Million Indonesian Citizens Banned From Using Social Media From 28 March, X Confirms Compliance

Jakarta — The social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has announced that users in Indonesia must be at least 16 years old, in compliance with Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025, known as PP Tunas, which will take effect on 28 March 2026.

In its Help Centre, X explained that a minimum user age of 16 years has been mandated under PP Tunas and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs Regulation Number 9 of 2026, which establishes the Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) standard.

“SMMA prevents social media platforms with age restrictions, including X, from allowing people under 16 years old to create or maintain accounts,” X stated in a release on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

X characterised the regulation as a legal requirement in Indonesia rather than a voluntary business decision. Further details on the implementation of age restrictions will be released at a later date.

X conveyed its commitment to complying with PP Tunas requirements to the government through formal correspondence dated 17 March 2026. According to the official statement from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), X will identify and deactivate user accounts that do not meet the requirements beginning 27 March 2026.

The government has praised X’s actions as demonstrating a commitment to compliance and child protection in the digital space. Komdigi has committed to monitoring adherence to the regulation. “The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs will conduct periodic monitoring of the progress of this process to ensure compliance with PP Tunas regulations is achieved,” said Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Oversight.

Komdigi has also called on other electronic system operators (PSE) who received letters from the Communications Minister to respond formally and take steps similar to those undertaken by X. The ministry is awaiting platform operators to demonstrate their commitment to complying with Indonesian law.

“Active and timely compliance from all PSE is a crucial factor in creating a safe digital ecosystem for children,” Sabar emphasised.

Beyond X, several platforms are in the initial implementation phase of the regulation, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bigo Live, and Roblox.

Previously, Communications Minister Meutya Hafid noted that approximately 70 million children in Indonesia are aged 16 years or younger, meaning that 70 million people will no longer be able to access social media from 28 March onwards.