Kepri Education Department: Student Mobile Phone Ban to Take Effect in 2027

Implementation will begin in 2027, once local governments have prepared all necessary mechanisms and regulations.

The Riau Islands Provincial Education Department (Disdik Kepri) announced that a ban on senior high school and vocational students bringing mobile phones to schools will take effect in 2027.

Disdik Kepri Head Andi Agung stated the ban is based on Minister of Communications and Digital Regulation No. 9 of 2026, which is derived from Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Management for Child Protection (PP TUNAS).

‘This year is not feasible for implementation. It will commence in 2027 after local governments have prepared all mechanisms and regulations,’ said Andi Agung.

He added that Disdik Kepri will soon form a socialisation team to inform all senior high schools and vocational schools, including parents and students.

Andi Agung continued that restricting mobile phone use in schools is necessary to improve student concentration during lessons.

Furthermore, he said the policy aims to reduce potential misuse of devices among students, including access to digital content deemed inappropriate for school-age children.

‘This policy applies nationwide as per the Ministry of Communications and Digital’s instruction, not just in Kepri,’ he added.