YouTube and Instagram Stubbornly Refuse to Follow Indonesian Rules

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesia has officially implemented regulations restricting social media use for children under 16. However, four major platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, are not among the social media services that have committed to implementing the rules.

For information, eight social media platforms are listed as high-risk in the initial phase, namely YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, Bigo Live, and Roblox.

However, in its statement on Friday (27/3/2026), only two platforms were mentioned as fully committed, namely X and Bigo Live, while two other platforms showed partial compliance, Roblox and TikTok.

“Actually, there were two that were fully cooperative, and two that were partially cooperative. So this is the good news,” said Minister of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) Meutya Hafid at the time.

No names of YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook were mentioned then.

When questioned about the four platforms that have not yet complied with the rules, Meutya explained that the regulations are clear from PP 17 of 2025 or the PP Tunas and its derivative ministerial regulation in early March as well as the Ministerial Decision. All will follow the previously mentioned rules.

“We also need to remind that the government has the authority to take enforcement measures in accordance with legal provisions, including the imposition of sanctions,” she explained.

She emphasised that business entities operating in Indonesia are obliged to comply with existing rules. Meanwhile, Meutya added that her side believes the platforms will comply.

“Of course, we once again believe that the platforms will still comply. We will wait for tomorrow,” she added.