Strengthening Digital Ecosystem and Literacy: Key to Child Protection Online

Child protection in the digital space is a non-negotiable responsibility of the state. However, policy implementation in this area must be conducted transparently and with clear parameters to avoid creating uncertainty for the digital ecosystem.

Indriyatno Banyumurti, Executive Director of ICT Watch, believes that the implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the governance of electronic system operations in child protection (PP TUNAS) will be effective if supported by an adequate ecosystem.

According to Indriyatno, one aspect that requires attention is the determination of risk parameters for digital platforms. Transparency and objectivity in the risk assessment process are important factors to ensure that regulation implementation is effective and does not create differing interpretations among stakeholders.

He explained that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 9 of 2026 on the governance of electronic system operations in child protection still requires further clarification through ministerial decisions. Such clarification is necessary to clarify risk indicators that stakeholders are still awaiting.

“The challenge for electronic system operators is that they are asked to submit self-assessment results in three months in accordance with Article 62 of the Communications and Digital Ministerial Regulation, whilst the indicators are not yet fully prepared,” said Indriyatno in his statement in Jakarta on Thursday (12/3/2026).

He believes that the regulation should include objective parameters and provide space for all parties, including digital platform operators, to submit input. In this way, the risk classification process can be carried out transparently.

Without clear parameters, he said, there is potential for distortion and desynchronisation in risk classification across digital platforms, which in the end could hinder child protection efforts.