Indonesia Presses Google on Digital Safety Responsibility

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, urged Google to take greater responsibility for protecting users online, saying digital platforms must go beyond publishing safety guidelines and ensure that protections are actually implemented.

Speaking at the 2026 Safer Internet Day event at his office in Jakarta, Pratikno said Indonesians have become increasingly dependent on digital platforms in their daily lives, limiting users’ ability to opt out of online services simply.

"We don't really have a choice here. If we go on a Hajj pilgrimage, the choice is to fly. Even though we know there is a risk of a plane crash, that doesn’t mean the solution is to walk. However, please, aviation industry, maintain your planes well and think about our fate as passengers. That is roughly what I want to say to YouTube and Google," the Minister said, as quoted by Antara.

Through the analogy, Minister Pratikno underscored that while digital services inherently carry risks, the responsibility for managing those risks lies primarily with service providers rather than users. He argued that when platforms become essential infrastructure, safety cannot be treated as a voluntary add-on.

Minister Pratikno also criticized the current approach of publishing usage guides for parents, teachers, and children without ensuring their effective adoption. He said success should be measured by how widely such guidance is used and understood, not merely by its availability.

"If you've made it and no one uses it, it's useless," he said.

The Minister further highlighted the economic dimension of the relationship between global technology firms and Indonesia’s large user base, stressing that commercial benefit must be matched by accountability.

"We are already dependent, heavily dependent on you. You are making a lot of money from us. Please, be responsible," Minister Pratikno said.

While acknowledging the government’s ongoing efforts to promote digital literacy, he emphasized that education alone is insufficient without built-in technological safeguards. He called for automated mechanisms to ensure safety measures are consistently delivered, particularly to protect children.

"If digital matters end up damaging a child's physical or mental health, we are committing a sin. And it's not just an ordinary sin. This is a 'dosa jariah' (a continuous, flowing sin)," he added.

Despite the firm tone, Minister Pratikno expressed appreciation for Google’s contribution to Indonesia’s digital ecosystem and said he hopes for stronger cooperation to build a safer and more reliable online environment for the public. ***