RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Malaysia is drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s newly issued child protection framework in the digital sphere, as it prepares to enforce age restrictions on social media platforms. The Indonesian regulation - Government Regulation No. 17/2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection (PP TUNAS) - has become a key reference point for Malaysia in shaping its own policies.

Malaysian Deputy Minister of Communications YB Teo Nie Ching highlighted Indonesia’s adaptive approach, which sets age limits tailored to the characteristics of each platform.

“We noted Minister Meutya Hafid’s direction to establish different age restrictions for different social media platforms. I want to take this opportunity to better understand the mechanisms and approaches Indonesia will adopt,” Teo said during a courtesy visit with Indonesian Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Nezar Patria at the ministry’s office on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website. 

Malaysia has already announced a minimum age of 16 for social media use across all platforms, prohibiting younger children from opening accounts. The government is currently testing the policy through a regulatory sandbox involving digital platform providers.

“In this scheme, platforms may use various age‑verification methods, including Malaysia’s national ID card, passport, and MyDigital ID, our national digital identity system,” Teo explained.

Platforms are also encouraged to propose alternative technologies deemed effective for verifying user age. The sandbox is expected to conclude in the first half of the year, with mandatory age verification set to begin in July.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria underscored that PP TUNAS, launched under the slogan Tunggu Anak Siap (“Wait Until the Child is Ready”), was designed as a comprehensive policy framework to ensure a safe digital environment for children while fostering regional cooperation.

“We welcome closer collaboration in key areas, particularly online child protection, which is a shared responsibility. PP TUNAS reflects our commitment to ensuring children can grow and learn safely in the digital world,” Nezar said.

He added that Indonesia sees significant potential for cooperation with Malaysia through knowledge‑sharing, best‑practice exchanges, and joint governance initiatives.

“We believe that through open dialogue and collaboration, Indonesia and Malaysia can set a strong example of regional partnership in the digital era. Let’s use this momentum to deepen cooperation toward a future built on innovation, trust, and shared prosperity,” Nezar concluded. ***