National Appreciation: Protecting Children in the Digital Space
State sovereignty over cyberspace was demonstrated when Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid signed Ministerial Regulation on Communications and Digital (Permen Komdigi) Number 9 of 2026. This policy classifies electronic system providers (PSE) offering social networking and media services as PSE with high-risk profiles.
According to Antara, social media services falling into the high-risk category are applications that meet several criteria, including those containing pornography. Other aspects include creating opportunities for children to contact unknown individuals, hosting violent content, exploiting children as consumers, and damaging physical and psychological health, including addictive features.
Several stakeholders view the regulation positively. This innovation, which has earned praise from Europe, has been warmly received domestically. Cybersecurity expert Alfons Tanujaya considers this a serious government response to digital security challenges.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has affirmed his support for the Communications Ministry’s measures to restrict children’s access to social media, viewing it as an appropriate method to protect children from gadget addiction.
“With these restrictions, I am convinced it will bring benefits, especially for children themselves. Because nowadays many children are truly addicted to gadgets,” said Pramono, quoted by detikNews on Monday (9 March).
Echoing Pramono’s position, Commission X Chair Hetifah Sjaifudian encouraged proper implementation of the regulation. However, some concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Summarising detikcom, DPR Commission I member Farah warned that regulations and systemic instruments will not function optimally without being balanced by continuous education. She believes comprehensive digital literacy education is necessary for all stakeholders, particularly families.
“This literacy approach is very important so that social media restrictions are not understood by children as authoritarian prohibitions, but rather accompanied by dialogue and educational guidance from the family environment,” Farah explained.
“This regulation is not merely one ministry’s responsibility, but our collective duty to ensure Indonesian children grow up healthy and safe in the digital era,” she added.