Islamic Boarding Schools Become Frontline in Protecting Children from Cybercrime Threats

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid stated that pesantren play a vital role as the frontline in protecting Indonesian children from cybercrime threats. She explained that one real cybersecurity threat identified by the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) targeting Indonesian children is the implantation of radicalisation ideologies through camouflaged online games. “Children are being targeted. This is no longer a hypothetical threat, but a danger happening right before our eyes. Pesantren must become a robust frontline in protecting the younger generation,” Meutya said during a working visit to Pondok Pesantren Qomarul Huda in Central Lombok on Tuesday. Pesantren serve as government collaborators not only in explaining real threats in the digital space but also in teaching the wise use of digital technology, so that the nation’s future generations can benefit from the positive impacts of rapid technological advancements. The regulation in question is Government Regulation number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection, known as PP Tunas, which has been effectively in force since 28 March 2026. With the introduction of this regulation, the government emphasises the importance of age restrictions and collective discipline so that Indonesian children can be safe in the digital space. “The age of 16 is a more mature limit for distinguishing what is good and what is dangerous. This regulation must be consistently adhered to, without compromise. We must not allow children to freely access platforms that are not age-appropriate,” Meutya stated. During this working visit, Meutya also touched on the role of young people, especially those who are ready to fully access the digital space such as university students, to actively step in as digital literacy ambassadors. With young people educating other young people on the wise use of digital technology, it is hoped that Indonesia’s digital space can benefit society productively while remaining safe. “Convey to your younger siblings and the community that we must together safeguard the digital space to keep it safe and dignified,” Meutya concluded her remarks.