TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Information technology expert Ismail Fahmi said that Indonesia could serve as a model for other Global South countries seeking to implement policies restricting social media use by children.
Indonesia currently has the largest child population in the world, with 70 million children. Implementing digital protection policies for children is crucial. If successful, this step will send a strong message on the international stage.
"Indonesia's current position is strategic. We are not just following trends; we are setting an example for other Global South countries," Fahmi told Antara on Wednesday.
Indonesia's policy of restricting social media for child users refers to Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025, which concerns the Organization of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas), as well as its derivative regulations.
This regulation has been in effect since March 28, 2026, initially applying to eight digital platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Bigo Live, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Roblox.
According to the data, Indonesia currently protects 70 million children through the Tunas government regulation. This is nearly 18 times more than the 4 million children protected by Australia's social media restrictions.
"This makes PP Tunas the world's largest digital child protection policy experiment," Fahmi said.
According to Fahmi, PP Tunas currently has a positive impact. It provides parents with a new way to protect their children from the numerous negative impacts of social media, which threaten the future of children if not handled properly.
He further stated that PP Tunas has placed responsibility on digital platform developers to ensure their services protect users as well as conduct business.
"Forcing platforms to be accountable. This is the most crucial thing; the burden of compliance rests on the platforms, not the children or parents," said Fahmi.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the PP Tunas, has also been working to ensure platform compliance.
The summons of tech giants Meta (Instagram, Threads, and Facebook) and Google (YouTube) for failing to comply with the PP Tunas demonstrates that platforms face consequences when they neglect their responsibilities.
Fahmi hopes that, in the future, the government will implement economic sanctions, such as large fines, to further deter digital platforms.
"If Indonesia, with its 70 million children, can succeed, it's proof that developing countries are also capable of taking bold steps in the area of digital sovereignty," Fahmi said.
Read: Indonesia Examines Google, Meta, TikTok, Roblox Over Child Safety Rules
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Keeps Fuel Prices Steady as Pertamina Absorbs Cost of Oil Surge
2 jam lalu
Purbaya said Indonesia will keep non-subsidized fuel prices unchanged for now, with Pertamina temporarily absorbing the impact of soaring oil prices.
Lee Jae Myung Hails Indonesia as Top Investment Hub for South Korea
2 jam lalu
Lee Jae Myung stated that Indonesia and South Korea have special meanings to each other and complement each other in various fields of cooperation.
Russia Open to Selling Oil to Indonesia's Pertamina, Says Ambassador
2 jam lalu
Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov said Moscow is open to Pertamina purchasing oil from Russia amid global oil price hikes.
Indonesia's Fuel Supply Stable as Southeast Asia Reels from Iran Tensions
3 jam lalu
Indonesian fuel reserves and fiscal ability remain safe amidst global uncertainty triggered by the Middle East war.
Iranian Ambassador Calls on Indonesians to Advance Peace Efforts
4 jam lalu
Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, met with the Mayor of Solo, Respati Ardi, in Solo. He calls for a peace campaign.
Indonesia Urged to Withdraw from BoP After Peacekeepers' Death in Lebanon
6 jam lalu
The House of Representatives calls for the government to express anger and condemnation over the Israeli attacks on peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.
Prabowo Meets South Korea's Lee Jae-myung at Blue House Today
7 jam lalu
President Prabowo met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung today local time. They discussed practical cooperation across various fields.
Indonesia Enacts Budget-Saving Measures to Offset Middle East War Impacts
7 jam lalu
Indonesia has announced a number of budget-saving policies such as WFH and fuel caps to anticipate the impact of the Middle East war.
Indonesia Caps Fuel Purchases at 50 Liters Per Day Per Vehicle
9 jam lalu
Indonesian Minister has urged the public to use fuel wisely, filling 50 liters of fuel per day for each car.
Russia Condemns Deadly Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
10 jam lalu
Russia strongly condemns the attack on Indonesian peacekeepers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
