Abdul Mu'ti Outlines Challenges of Children’s Social Media Restrictions
Education Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has backed the restrictions on children’s access in the digital space as set out in Ministerial Regulation Number 9 of 2026. Mu’ti said the regulation is appropriate because children should be restricted in gadget use, especially those under 16.
However, Mu’ti said there are challenges to be overcome by the government. The challenge refers to the technical implementation. ‘Especially to ensure that they do not impersonate personal identities when creating social media accounts,’ Mu’ti said at his official residence in Central Jakarta on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
Mu’ti emphasised that the first thing to consider after the regulation is parental supervision. In addition, strict supervision from teachers at school is needed. ‘Most importantly is education from various parties so that the social media usage restrictions can be effective,’ he added.
Previously, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) had issued rules banning children under 16 from owning social media and high-risk digital platforms. Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid said the policy would commence on 28 March 2026.
In the initial phase, accounts of children under 16 will be deactivated on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. ‘The process will be carried out gradually until all platforms comply with their obligations,’ Meutya said in an official Komdigi statement, Friday, 6 March 2026.
The Deputy Chairman of Golkar Party said the access ban comes after the issuing of subsidiary regulations to Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Providers in Child Protection, or PP Tunas, today. ‘The subsidiary regulations are claimed to strengthen child protection in digital space.’
“Through these regulations, the government delays access for under-16 accounts on high-risk digital platforms, including social media and networking services,” he said.