Observer: PP Tunas Regulation Urges Digital Platforms to Prevent "Child Grooming"

Child and education advocate Retno Listyarti has stated that Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas) encourages digital platforms to participate in preventing child grooming. According to Retno, PP Tunas specifically targets child protection in the digital realm, but the policy’s effectiveness heavily relies on on-the-ground implementation and support from families and communities to shield children from child grooming perpetrators commonly found on social media or online games. “Perpetrators typically use manipulative methods known as child grooming, building emotional closeness with children through attention, empathy, and even material assistance. In many cases, perpetrators offer study help, money, or even in-game facilities to make victims feel comfortable and trusting,” she said when contacted in Jakarta on Saturday. The former Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) explained that the system-based prevention obligations on existing digital platforms in PP Tunas represent a significant advancement. However, field implementation still depends on digital platforms’ compliance, the government’s supervisory capabilities, and the readiness of content moderation infrastructure. “So, several uncovered cases show that entry is indeed through social media. When these children vent or feel distressed, these predators surf children’s social media to catch or approach the distressed children, which is generally also caused by feelings of loneliness,” she stated. Retno conveyed that the threat of sexual violence against children in the digital space is increasingly concerning. Indonesia is even listed among the top 10 countries worldwide for cases of children victimised by digital-based sexual violence, with the majority of cases starting from interactions on social media and online platforms. She exemplified a case of an eight-year-old child who became a victim through a gaming platform like Hago, where the victim was asked to send nude photos in exchange for account upgrades. PP Tunas specifically addresses child protection in the digital space, including online-based sexual violence threats. The regulation acknowledges various forms of digital risks to children, such as sexual exploitation, child pornography, and relational manipulation practices like grooming. Additionally, PP Tunas regulates restrictions on children’s access to certain digital platforms. Children below a certain age are not permitted to have independent accounts, as an effort to reduce the risk of interactions with online predators. “Digital regulation is indeed a forward step, but it is not enough if not accompanied by strengthening the family’s role, character education, and children’s emotional literacy. This cannot stop at the government alone, but what must be strengthened are parents and teachers as the adults around our children,” Retno said.