Digital space threats heighten urgency for child protection

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs has stated that child protection in the digital space is increasingly urgent amid rising risks of cyberbullying, digital predators, and early internet misuse.

Special Staff to the Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Alfreno Kautsar, stated that the rapid advancement of digital technology presents new challenges for child protection online. He revealed that more than half of Indonesian children have been exposed to sexually explicit content on social media.

He added that the current surge in digital cases predominantly affects vulnerable age groups.

He also noted that there are two types of high-impact risks for children in the digital space: content risks and contact risks.

These risks are particularly concerning as ongoing exposure can shape children’s habits, character, and behaviour.

“Children with access to social media can encounter any content—positive or negative—and it’s up to them to manage their exposure,” Alfreno explained.

Contact risk involves children interacting with strangers via social media or other digital platforms.

“Many of our children now chat with strangers online, only to be fed harmful information such as radicalisation. Child abuse can also occur,” he added.

To address these risks, the government has issued Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection (PP TUNAS).

“We never want to stifle innovation for young people. We simply want them to understand right from wrong. We aim to keep Indonesian youth away from risks without delaying innovation,” he said.