Ministerial Regulation on Communication and Digital Affairs 9/2026 Takes Effect, KPAI Highlights Social Media Risks for Children

The Commission for Child Protection Indonesia (KPAI) has expressed full support for the implementation of Ministerial Regulation on Communication and Digital Affairs Number 9/2026 as a derivative regulation of Government Regulation Number 17/2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas). The regulation provides technical details on various provisions in PP Tunas, including the management of children’s accounts and risk profiles on digital platforms. One key point is outlined in Article 29 regarding children’s accounts and risk profiles. This provision stipulates that children under 16 years old are only permitted to have accounts on digital products, services, and features with low risk profiles and must obtain parental consent. Specifically, children under 13 years old may only have special child accounts with low risk and parental consent. Meanwhile, children aged 13 to under 16 years old may only access low-risk services with parental consent. Children aged 16 to under 18 years old may have digital service accounts with parental consent. KPAI Commissioner Kawiyan emphasised that this policy is based on extensive studies on children’s readiness to face the digital world. “Children under 16 years old are considered not yet psychologically mature and capable of critical thinking when facing various content on social media,” said Kawiyan when contacted on Thursday (26/3). He explained that children of that age are still vulnerable to various risks, such as being easily influenced by negative content, difficulty distinguishing true and manipulative information, and potential victimisation by digital crimes. In addition, children are vulnerable to exploitation, personal data theft, and addiction to digital platforms or online games. KPAI views the presence of PP Tunas and the Ministerial Regulation as an important step by the state in providing child protection in the digital space. This is given the high risks faced by children, from cyberbullying, exposure to pornography, online sexual exploitation, to exposure to violent content. “This policy is made for the best interests of the child, particularly in protection in the digital realm,” he stated. The implementation of PP Tunas, which takes effect on 28 March 2026, is marked by initial steps such as the disconnection and blocking of access to several digital platforms that do not comply with the provisions. However, KPAI emphasised that this step is only the beginning of the state’s major commitment to protecting children in the digital world. The success of this policy’s implementation, continued Kawiyan, greatly depends on the compliance of electronic system providers or digital platforms with all the regulated provisions. These obligations include user age classification, platform risk classification, age-based access restrictions, child personal data protection, content moderation, algorithm transparency, and digital literacy education for parents and children. Additionally, platforms are required to provide complaint mechanisms and undergo periodic compliance audits. KPAI also stressed the importance of the business world’s role in child protection, as regulated in Law Number 34 of 2014. The business world is expected to implement child-friendly policies, ensure safe products, and contribute through corporate social responsibility. On the other hand, the public also has an important role in oversight. In accordance with Article 48 of PP Tunas, the public can report alleged violations by digital platforms to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs or related agencies. KPAI hopes the government will take a firm stance in overseeing the implementation of this policy, including in imposing sanctions on non-compliant platforms. “Child protection in the digital realm is not an additional issue, but a main part of overall child protection. Children’s activities in the digital space must be ensured to be safe and free from various risks that hinder their growth and development,” Kawiyan asserted firmly. This policy also forms part of Indonesia’s strategic efforts to prepare the Golden Generation of 2045 that is strong, intelligent, and competitive amid digital technology developments.