Religious Affairs Minister Emphasises Need for Religious and Ethical Foundations in Digital Space
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has emphasised that the digital space requires a strong foundation of religion and ethics within family and educational settings to ensure children are prepared to engage in digital environments.
“The digital space needs a foundation of religion and ethics. We want to ensure that religious and ethical foundations are firmly embedded in family and educational environments before they step into the digital world,” the Minister stated when contacted from Jakarta on Saturday.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Religious Affairs fully supports the derivative regulations of the Government Regulation (PP) on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection, known as PP Tunas (Delay Until Children Are Ready).
The Minister clarified that the derivative rules under PP Tunas, outlined in Ministry of Communication and Digital Regulation No. 9 of 2026, which postpones social media access for children under 16 starting today, 28 March 2026, are not restrictions.
The Minister has instructed all madrasas and religious education institutions to monitor the implementation of this policy strictly.
The Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque stated that this momentum should be utilised by educational institutions to optimise digital literacy based on a deep strengthening of religious and ethical foundations.
He also called on teachers, kyai, and parents to accompany children with affection. Collaboration between educational and family environments is the key to ensuring this regulation has a real impact on the ground.
“We prepare them to become a generation that is not only digitally intelligent but also knowledgeable, moral, and responsible,” the Minister said.
“The government instructs all digital platforms doing business in Indonesia to immediately align their products, features, and services in accordance with applicable regulations. There is no compromise on compliance, and every business entity operating in Indonesia must obey Indonesian law,” said Meutya.
Meutya expressed appreciation for two digital platforms, X and Bigo Live, which have full compliance with PP Tunas. She also welcomed TikTok and Roblox, categorised as partially cooperative platforms towards PP Tunas.
Meanwhile, four other platforms—Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and YouTube—still do not meet the provisions of PP Tunas.
PP Tunas takes effect from 28 March 2026, and every digital business entity operating in Indonesia must comply with the regulation’s provisions.