Pesantren Views PP Tunas as Encouraging Children's Creativity, Not Limiting Expression

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Several pesantren leaders assess that Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Protection and Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas) does not limit the space for expression but instead spurs children’s creativity beyond dependence on social media. Muhammad Rizqy Nawwari, head of Pondok Modern Al Barokah Nganjuk, stated that the purpose of PP Tunas is very good for preventing children from using gadgets excessively, which aligns with the Islamic perspective on safeguarding the mind (Hifzhul Aql), religion (Hifzhul Din), and soul (Hifzhul Nafs). “First, for outlets of expression, I think for that age there are still many other outlets for expression besides social media,” said Nawwari on Sunday (29/3/2026). He exemplified that in pesantren, children are encouraged to interact socially directly so as not to become antisocial due to gadgets. Expression outlets are redirected to dense extracurricular activities such as writing, discussions, photography, and multimedia. For children with potential in the digital realm, said Nawwari, pesantren can still provide space without allowing them to hold gadgets freely, namely by channelling video or design works through the pondok’s official media accounts. “So it’s not the case that if social media is restricted, then children’s creations or works are limited. There are still many other media that can be used,” he said. In agreement, the view that gadget restrictions will kill children’s creativity was also refuted by the caregiver of Pondok Pesantren Muhammadiyah Boarding School (MBS) Jetis Ponorogo, Eksa Miyasah Pamilu.