Rules on Child Protection in Digital Realm Demanded to be Transparent and Clear
Child protection in the digital realm is a state responsibility that cannot be compromised. However, policy implementation in this field must be conducted transparently and possess clear parameters. Without such clarity, regulation risks creating uncertainty for both the child protection support ecosystem and the broader digital ecosystem.
Indriyatno Banyumurti, Executive Director of ICT Watch, believes that the implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance in Child Protection (PP TUNAS) will operate effectively only if supported by an adequate ecosystem.
One aspect drawing particular scrutiny concerns the determination of risk parameters for digital platforms. According to Indriyatno, transparency and objectivity in the platform risk assessment process are crucial factors for effective regulation implementation without generating different interpretations among stakeholders.
He explained that the Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 9 of 2026 on Electronic System Governance in Child Protection, which has been issued, still requires further elaboration through a Ministerial Decision. This clarification is important, particularly for clarifying risk indicators that stakeholders continue to await.
“The challenge for Electronic System Operators is that they are asked to submit self-assessment results three months from now according to Article 62 of the Communications and Digital Minister Regulation, whilst the indicators are not yet fully ready,” he stated in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Beyond the technical aspects of regulation, Indriyatno emphasised that the success of child protection in digital spaces also heavily depends on the readiness of its supporting ecosystem. One important step is to strengthen digital literacy massively across various levels.
This education must reach parents and carers in family environments as well as teachers in schools. With better understanding, they can play an active role in accompanying children during their digital interactions.
“Electronic System Operators must also conduct this education with content embedded in their platforms,” said Indriyatno.
Beyond education, he also considers important the creation of a safe digital space for children to express themselves through platforms with adequate supervision and protection standards. “Do not let them end up on platforms that are difficult to monitor and have open rules with greater risks for children,” he said.
Similarly, Trubus Rahardiansah, a public policy expert from Trisakti University, also believes that formulating child protection policy in digital spaces needs to involve more stakeholders, including children and parents as groups directly affected. Trubus said the current policy approach remains top-down and has not fully opened space for dialogue with key stakeholders.
“Children as policy targets should also have their voices heard. There needs to be dialogue with them, parents, and educators,” he said.
Trubus also reminded that social media does not entirely have negative impacts on children. Much digital content is actually educational and can help develop their knowledge and creativity. Therefore, according to him, child protection policy in digital spaces should not only focus on restriction, but also on education and accompaniment.
“The role of parents and teachers remains key. Regulation alone is insufficient if supervision in families and schools does not function,” he said.
Meanwhile, Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, warned that implementation of PP TUNAS should not restrict young people’s rights in Indonesia to access digital spaces, including online discussion forums.
He said social media has become an important space for young people to voice opinions and express their views on various issues affecting their lives.
“A blanket ban on social media would strip tens of millions of young people in Indonesia of important channels to communicate with each other, access information, develop creativity, and express themselves,” Usman said in his official statement on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
According to him, overly restrictive policies could drive children and adolescents to access social media secretly without adequate protection. This could actually bring greater risks.
Usman emphasised that digital access has become an important part of children’s education, wellbeing, and participation in public spaces. Therefore, a prohibition approach is considered potentially to close opportunities for building more empowering solutions.
“This ban is tantamount to ignoring children to be heard in every decision affecting their lives,” Usman concluded.
Without clear parameter specifications, policies intended to protect children risk creating unintended consequences.
2025 child protection records show threats in digital spaces ranging from age-inappropriate content exposure, cyberbullying, to misuse of children’s personal data.
The Communications and Digital Minister added that several platforms are beginning to adapt their technology to be more child-friendly.