Government to Restrict AI Chatbot Use Among Primary and Secondary School Students

The government will restrict the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the education sector, particularly among primary and secondary school students, according to the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno.

“For instance, primary and secondary education will not be permitted to use instant AI, such as asking ChatGPT and similar tools,” Pratikno stated.

The announcement was made during the signing of a Joint Ministerial Decision (SKB) on Guidelines for the Use and Learning of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture office in central Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Pratikno emphasised that the policy does not ban technology use in education, but rather regulates it for more appropriate application. “We need to utilise technology to support education. For instance, robotic simulations for primary education can use AI, but it must be designed for educational needs,” he said.

Pratikno stated that the use of instant AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Meta AI, and similar tools must be regulated to prevent potential negative impacts on child development. “This is to prevent brain rot, avoid cognitive debt, and reduce cognitive decline in children,” he explained.

“This SKB is not a ban, but a regulation to mitigate risks on one side, whilst ensuring that digital technology and artificial intelligence empower rather than exploit our children,” Pratikno said.

He also highlighted the considerable exposure of Indonesian children and teenagers to technology, which could trigger mental health disorders. “Screen time exceeds 7.5 hours, which means green time is decreasing. Whilst there are many factors involved, adolescents experiencing mental health disorders are increasing,” he noted.

Green time refers to periods when children are not staring at screens and instead engage in physical activities outdoors.