Governor Khofifah Supports Ministry of Communication and Digital Policy to Protect Children in Digital Space, Ready to Oversee Implementation at Grassroots Level
The Bantargebang tragedy stands as evidence of systemic failure.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa fully supports the Ministry of Communication and Digital’s policy restricting social media account ownership for children under 16 years of age. With the issuance of Ministry of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 9 of 2026, derived from Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on Child Protection in Electronic System Management (PP Tunas), Governor Khofifah is optimistic that the policy will provide protection for children in the rapidly expanding digital space.
The governor also describes the policy as strategically vital in safeguarding the security and future of Indonesian children amidst rapid digital technology development. “This step is crucial as an effort to protect children from various threats in the digital space such as pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and the potential for digital addiction,” said Khofifah in Surabaya on Tuesday (10 March).
She further noted that rapid digital technology development offers significant benefits for education and information access, but also brings risks that must be managed wisely, particularly for children. Therefore, the policy restricting age in digital platform use is considered a preventive measure to ensure children can grow and develop healthily in mental, emotional, and social dimensions.
“We want to ensure that digital space remains a safe environment for children. Protection of our young generation must be a shared priority,” she emphasised.
Governor Khofifah also stressed that successful implementation of the policy requires synergy between government, digital platforms, educational institutions, and parents. She invited all parties, including families and schools, to play an active role in providing digital literacy and guidance to children in utilising technology in a healthy and responsible manner.
“The role of parents and schools is very important in providing digital literacy education to children so they can use technology wisely and productively,” she said.
Khofifah added that the East Java Provincial Government is ready to support the central government’s policy through strengthening digital literacy programmes, healthy internet use education, and reinforcing child protection in digital space. According to her, such efforts are part of a shared commitment to building a digital ecosystem that is safer, healthier, and child-friendly.
“Technology must humanise people, not sacrifice our children’s childhood. Therefore, we must support this step together for the future of Indonesia’s generation,” she concluded.