Minister: Circular on Device Restrictions Aims to Boost Student Concentration

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has stated that Circular Number 18 of 2026 concerning the Restriction of Gadget Use in Educational Units aims to minimise distractions, thereby improving students’ learning concentration. The ministry considers that inappropriate use of gadgets within the school environment can potentially reduce learning concentration, lower the quality of interaction among students, and increase the risk of digital technology misuse, which can impact students’ physical and mental health.

In addition to improving learning concentration, Mu’ti added that the circular was issued to create a safe and comfortable learning culture, increase social interaction among students, support the Great Indonesian Children’s Seven Habits Movement, and protect students from the negative impacts of inappropriate gadget use. Furthermore, the same circular also aims to shape a healthy, safe, wise, and responsible digital culture, as well as to optimise the use of digital technology to support learning.

The ministry considers such a policy relevant given the high intensity of internet usage in Indonesia. Based on data, the average Indonesian spends 7 hours and 32 minutes surfing the internet each day. “If they do not use that technology for positive things, there will be many problems related to mental and physical health. Therefore, we greatly hope for cooperation between schools, families, communities, and digital service providers,” said Minister Mu’ti.

Through Circular Number 18 of 2026, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education encourages heads of educational units to adjust school regulations regarding the restriction of gadget use according to the characteristics, needs, and conditions of each educational unit. Thus, the ministry still provides room for the utilisation of digital technology as part of the learning process, but with clear regulations.