By: Asep Faturahman)
Support for Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of Electronic System Implementation in Child Protection (PP TUNAS) continues to grow alongside increasing awareness of the importance of protecting children in the digital era. This policy is considered highly urgent in responding to modern challenges, where children are increasingly familiar with technology but have not fully understood the risks that come with it. Therefore, the presence of this regulation represents a strategic step in ensuring the safety and future of Indonesia’s younger generation.
As a concrete form of support for the implementation of PP TUNAS, the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN has taken proactive measures by empowering Family Assistance Teams (TPK). This effort focuses on direct education for families as the frontline in child protection. A family-based approach is highly relevant, as parents play a central role in supervising and guiding children in the use of digital technology.
Secretary of Kemendukbangga/Principal Secretary of BKKBN, Budi Setiyono, stated that the strategy adopted by the institution emphasizes non-formal channels. While some parties focus on schools, Kemendukbangga/BKKBN brings education directly into communities and households. Through TPK, messages about the importance of child protection in digital spaces can be delivered more personally and effectively.
This approach further highlights the urgency of protecting children from increasingly complex digital risks. Children exposed to the digital world without proper supervision are at risk of experiencing disruptions in social development. Virtual interactions cannot always replace real-life interactions, potentially affecting children’s communication skills, empathy, and social abilities.
In addition, exposure to negative content remains a significant concern. Content involving violence, sexuality, and pornography can have serious impacts on children’s psychological well-being. In the long term, such exposure may influence their mindset, behavior, and mental health if not properly addressed.
In this context, the role of TPK and field counselors becomes crucial as extensions of the government. They not only provide information but also help families understand how to manage children’s digital access wisely. This approach emphasizes that technology should not be entirely restricted but rather managed to remain safe and controlled.
The urgency of child protection is further reinforced by the rapid evolution of the digital ecosystem. Children’s personal data has become highly vulnerable to misuse. Without strong regulations, such data may be exploited by irresponsible parties for harmful purposes.
Support for PP TUNAS has also been voiced by Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, who stated that this regulation is an urgent necessity for Indonesia. In today’s digital era, the protection of children’s personal data cannot be delayed, given the numerous global cases showing how such data can be exploited unethically.
The widespread sharing of children’s personal data across digital platforms has become a serious concern. Children often lack the awareness needed to determine what information is safe to share, making them vulnerable to risks ranging from privacy violations to digital exploitation.
Through PP TUNAS, the government aims to establish a comprehensive protection system, not only through regulation but also through public education. Families are expected to become the primary protectors by improving digital literacy and awareness of online safety.
Synergy between the government, families, and society is a key factor in strengthening the implementation of this policy. Broad support will accelerate the creation of a safe and child-friendly digital ecosystem. Continuous education plays an essential role in building collective awareness.
The initiatives carried out by Kemendukbangga/BKKBN through the empowerment of TPK represent a tangible form of support for PP TUNAS. This program not only expands the reach of public outreach but also ensures that messages about child protection are well understood at the family level.
Moreover, active parental involvement in supervising children’s use of technology is equally important. Wise supervision, combined with open communication between parents and children, will help create a safer digital environment while supporting positive character development.
The urgency of child protection in digital spaces will continue to grow alongside technological advancement. Therefore, support for PP TUNAS must be continuously strengthened through cross-sector collaboration, including education, communities, and the digital industry.
With strong collective commitment, child protection can become an integral part of national development. PP TUNAS is not merely a regulation, but a crucial foundation to ensure that Indonesian children can grow and thrive optimally amid technological progress. Sustained support for this policy is key to safeguarding the future of the nation’s next generation.
