By: Raka Mahendra Putra
The government’s efforts to strengthen child protection in the digital space are increasingly showing a firm and measurable direction, particularly through the implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection, also known as the Tunas Regulation. This policy is not merely a legal instrument but also reflects a collective commitment between the government, educational institutions, parents, and the wider community to creating a safe digital ecosystem for the younger generation amidst the rapid flow of information technology.
Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi emphasized the importance of active involvement of parents, educators, and the social environment in assisting children when interacting with social media. According to her, parental presence is not sufficient merely to supervise children; they must also be able to establish open communication and provide adequate education regarding the risks in the digital world. Appropriate guidance will help children understand boundaries and use technology wisely according to their developmental stage.
Arifah Fauzi also highlighted that the implementation of the Tunas Regulation (PP Tunas) will not run optimally without the full support of a child’s immediate environment. He emphasized that the role of family and community is the primary foundation in shaping healthy digital behavior in children. In this regard, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), along with the Ministry of Communication and Digital, and various other stakeholders, continues to monitor the implementation of this policy, particularly regarding restrictions on social media access for children under 16.
Since its enactment on March 28, 2026, the Tunas Regulation has clearly stipulated that digital platforms are not permitted to provide account creation to children under that age. Platforms are also required to deactivate accounts deemed high-risk. In the initial implementation phase, eight major digital platforms were the focus of supervision: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Thread, X or Twitter, Bigo Live, and Roblox. This policy was implemented in stages to ensure the readiness of all parties and maintain the effectiveness of its implementation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, invited educational institutions to play a strategic role in the success of this policy. He believes that schools are a crucial space for fostering healthy technology habits. Therefore, an approach that reinforces the culture of screen time, screen zones, and screen breaks, known as the 3S concept, is a concrete step that can be implemented in school environments.
Abdul Mu’ti emphasized that the Tunas PP does not aim to completely ban device use, but rather regulates its use so that it aligns with children’s educational and developmental needs. With the right approach, technology can actually be an effective learning tool, rather than a source of distraction or even a threat to children’s development.
He further explained that Indonesia is a country with a relatively high level of internet usage, reaching an average of 7.3 hours per day. This situation demands regulations capable of controlling technology use, especially for children and adolescents who are still developing their character. Without adequate supervision, excessive device use has the potential to trigger various problems, ranging from decreased learning quality to involvement in negative activities.
The increasing phenomenon of crime cases involving children, both online and in the real world, is one strong reason behind the urgency of this policy. Abdul Mu’ti highlighted the tendency for children to become entangled in online gambling and acts of violence due to a lack of understanding and control in their use of technology. This situation not only hinders the learning process but also impacts children’s emotional and social development.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid emphasized that the government will not tolerate digital platforms that ignore established regulations. She emphasized that all technology companies operating in Indonesia are required to align their services with applicable regulations, including those regarding child protection in the digital space. This firm stance demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that children’s best interests are a top priority.
Meutya Hafid also highlighted the importance of compliance as a form of corporate responsibility towards society. With clear regulations, it is hoped that digital platforms will not only be profit-oriented but also contribute to creating a safe and child-friendly digital environment. This is part of a major effort to build a sustainable and ethical digital ecosystem.
Over the past year, the government has demonstrated various significant achievements in strengthening child protection and national digital transformation, from improving public digital literacy, strengthening information technology regulations, to increasingly solid cross-sector collaboration in facing the challenges of the digital era. This success demonstrates that the policy direction taken is not only responsive to current developments but also supports the long-term interests of the younger generation.
Ultimately, the implementation of the Tunas PP is not solely the government’s responsibility but requires the active involvement of all elements of society. Parents, teachers, communities, and even technology industry players have complementary roles in protecting children from the negative impacts of the digital world. With strong synergy and shared commitment, efforts to create a safe and supportive digital space for children’s growth and development can be realized.
*) Public Policy and Child Protection Analyst
