Jakarta – The government has affirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection in the digital space through the implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Protection of Electronic System Governance in Child Protection (PP TUNAS). This policy is a strategic step in responding to the increasing risk of exposure to negative content on social media that can impact children’s development.
Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas emphasized that the government will not hesitate to take firm action against digital platforms that violate regulations, including blocking them as a concrete form of law enforcement.
He stated that the Ministry of Communication and Digital has a strong legal basis after the regulatory harmonization process was completed. According to him, this step is crucial to ensure that all electronic system providers comply with established child protection standards.
“The Ministry of Communication and Digital will enforce the law, including blocking all platforms that do not participate in PP Tunas,” said Supratman.
He also added that digital platforms that fail to comply with regulations must face firm action to protect the future of Indonesian children from cyber threats.
The implementation of PP TUNAS has received support from various parties, including the local government. Dharmasraya Regent Annisa Suci Ramadhani considered this policy a much-needed progressive step in addressing the high risks posed by social media for children.
“This is certainly a good policy, and I completely agree that social media is a high-risk platform,” she said.
She emphasized that the local government is ready to follow up on the policy to ensure its optimal implementation and on-the-ground effectiveness.
On the other hand, academics and practitioners also believe that PP TUNAS is highly urgent from a psychological perspective.
Psychologist Eka Renny Yustisia called this regulation a crucial preventative measure in protecting children from the negative impacts of social media. She explained that adolescents are still in an immature stage of cognitive and emotional development, making them vulnerable to various external influences that can shape erroneous perceptions and behaviors.
According to Eka, exposure to age-inappropriate content can lead to the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) phenomenon, as well as misperceptions about lifestyles, including the glorification of early marriage without an understanding of responsibility.
“Restricting access to Mandiri accounts for children under 16 is an important form of protection to prevent them from being exposed to pressure to become prematurely mature,” he said.
With the TUNAS Regulation, the government demonstrates its commitment to creating a safe and child-friendly digital ecosystem. Consistent enforcement of these regulations, supported by collaboration between the central and regional governments, and the community, is expected to provide comprehensive protection for Indonesia’s young generation in facing the challenges of the digital era.
