Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Urges All Stakeholders to Synergise to Create a Safe Digital Space for Children

Jakarta — Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Djamari Chaniago has urged all stakeholders to work in synergy to realise a safe digital space for children in Indonesia. The appeal was made in support of the government’s policy to protect children in digital spaces through Ministerial Regulation of Communications and Digital No. 9 of 2026. The regulation implements Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Administration in Child Protection, known as PP TUNAS. The Coordinating Ministry explained that the regulation not only governs technology and digital platforms, but is also part of a national strategy to safeguard mental resilience and the character formation of the younger generation in the digital era of transformation. It added that the regulation also encourages the operators of electronic systems to ensure their platforms do not pose risks to children. Furthermore, the policy is expected to foster a healthier and safer digital ecosystem for the public. He noted that support is needed from various quarters, including ministries and agencies, local governments, digital platform operators, the education sector, families, and the wider community. ‘Through the synergy of various parties, the government hopes Indonesia’s digital space can develop into a safer, healthier, and more responsible environment for children and the younger generation,’ he said. Earlier, Minister of Communications and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid said Indonesia is the first non-Western country to issue a policy restricting children’s access to the digital space. ‘This means Indonesia is the first non-Western country to suspend children’s access to the digital space in line with age,’ Meutya said in a press statement on Friday, 6 March 2026. Under the new policy, children aged under 16 will not be able to access accounts on social media platforms deemed high risk to their development. The high-risk platforms to be deactivated include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.