By: Andhika Rachma )*
Digital transformation has brought about significant changes in the lives of Indonesians. The digital space is now not only a means of communication, but also a space for learning, entertainment, and social interaction across generations. Amidst these developments, the state has a responsibility to ensure that the digital ecosystem remains safe, healthy, and supports the public interest, especially children as a vulnerable group. It is in this context that the government introduced Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of Electronic System Implementation in Child Protection, or PP TUNAS.
The presence of PP TUNAS marks an important milestone in Indonesia’s digital governance journey. This regulation is not merely a legal instrument but also reflects the state’s commitment to building a more responsible digital space. The government places child protection as a top priority amid the increasing use of digital platforms by the younger generation. The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that Indonesia aims to be a country that actively protects children in the digital space and keeps pace with other countries in developing healthy platform governance.
Public attention is no longer solely focused on the content of the regulations, but also on how digital platforms actually carry out their obligations. The government has emphasized that all Electronic System Operators (ESE), both domestic and global, must comply with applicable provisions if they operate in Indonesia. This firm stance demonstrates that national digital sovereignty must be respected by all platforms without exception.
The TUNAS Regulation (PP TUNAS) regulates various important aspects, from user age restrictions, protection of children’s personal data, content monitoring, to the application of the safety-by-design principle in the development of digital services. This regulation also encourages platforms to provide parental control features, automatic high privacy settings for children’s accounts, and stricter age verification mechanisms. These measures are part of the effort to create a safe digital environment while supporting healthy child development.
Interestingly, the implementation of the TUNAS Regulation demonstrates that the government is not only focused on law enforcement but also on building a collaborative approach with digital platforms. Several technology companies have begun to demonstrate a positive response by adjusting their internal policies.
This development demonstrates that national regulations can drive real change at the platform level. Compliance is no longer merely an administrative formality, but rather part of technology companies’ social responsibility to society. In an era where digital platforms have a significant influence on the behavior and mindset of the younger generation, adaptive measures like these are crucial for maintaining the quality of Indonesia’s digital space.
The government understands that changes to digital systems require complex technical adjustments, especially for global platforms with millions of users. However, the government continues to emphasize that child protection is non-negotiable. The Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs’ statement, “There will be no compromise in terms of compliance,” strongly signals that the government is serious about safeguarding the security of the national digital space.
In various public discussions and on social media, the view has emerged that this regulation could be a crucial momentum for improving the internet ecosystem, which has been deemed too permissive regarding exposure to content that is risky for children. The presence of clear regulations is considered to provide certainty and encourage platforms to be more responsible for the social impact of their services.
Kawiyan, Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Sub-Cluster for the Digital Sphere, stated that KPAI appreciates the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs’ (Komidigi) efforts as a government representative to persistently convince digital platforms to comply with the Tunas Government Regulation. The Ministry’s persistence and patience demonstrate the implementation of the constitution in child protection. The Tunas Government Regulation (PP TUNAS) is not simply a technical regulation, but rather part of the nation’s strategic efforts to safeguard future generations. Protecting children in the digital space is as important as protecting national sovereignty. Today’s children are the foundation of Indonesia’s future.
The success of PP TUNAS certainly isn’t solely determined by the government or digital platforms. Implementing the regulation requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including parents, schools, communities, and the wider public. Digital literacy is crucial for ensuring the public understands their rights, obligations, and risks in using digital technology. With good literacy, the public can play an active role in monitoring and supporting the creation of a safe and productive digital space.
The implementation of PP TUNAS (Indonesian Digital Enforcement Agency) is evidence that Indonesia is moving towards more mature digital governance. From regulation to implementation, the government has demonstrated its commitment to overseeing platform compliance while simultaneously building a healthy digital culture. Challenges certainly remain, but the initial steps taken provide optimism that Indonesia’s digital space can develop into a safer, more inclusive, and more supportive of the public interest.
The success of PP TUNAS is not merely about the number of platforms complying with the regulations, but about how Indonesia can build a digital future that protects the nation’s future generations. With synergy between the government, platforms, and the public, the national digital space can become a place that is not only innovative but also safe and humane for all users.
)* Public Policy Observer