Komdigi to Restrict Social Media for Children, DPR Member Proposes Establishing an Independent Supervisory Board

An Indonesian member of the House of Representatives, TB Hasanuddin of the PDI-P, has proposed forming an independent supervisory board to oversee the implementation of the policy restricting access to social media for children under 16. Hasanuddin said the supervisory board is essential to prevent excessive content blocking (over-blocking) and potential non-compliance by platforms, and would require experts with knowledge of content appropriateness. He said the report should include a list of educational platforms that remain accessible to users of all ages, to ensure a digital learning space for children is preserved. He also called for a public appeals mechanism in the content screening process to address possible false positives where legitimate content is blocked by mistake. He stressed that effective implementation requires collaboration and consistency and that the rules should protect children, not hinder positive spaces for their development. Earlier reporting indicates the government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital, issued a new policy on children’s use of social media. The rule appears in Ministerial Regulation No. 9 of 2026, derived from Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the governance of electronic systems in child protection. Under the rules, access for under-16 accounts on high-risk platforms, including social media and networking services, is being delayed.