RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is intensifying its efforts to shield children from online threats through the enactment of Ministerial Regulation No. 9/2026. Issued by the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry, this regulation serves as the technical guideline for Government Regulation No. 17/2025 regarding Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, commonly known as PP Tunas.

As reported by Antara, the Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Ministry has lauded the move. They view it as a critical milestone in establishing a safer internet ecosystem for the younger generation.

PPPA Minister, Arifah Fauzi, emphasized that state intervention is non-negotiable in the face of evolving digital risks. "The state must be present to mitigate various risks faced by children in the digital space, such as exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation through digital platforms," said Minister Arifah in Jakarta on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The regulation specifically mandates that electronic system providers ensure their digital services are secure, child-friendly, and integrated into a broader protective infrastructure.

Despite the legislative progress, the Minister cautioned that regulatory barriers alone are insufficient. She highlighted a significant gap in digital literacy among guardians, noting that many parents currently lack the technical skills to monitor their children's online behavior effectively.

"Strengthening the capacity of parents in assisting children is very important," she noted, pointing out that technical restrictions can backfire if not managed wisely.

The Minister raised a specific concern regarding "backdoor" access methods that children might use to bypass filters. She warned that restrictive policies might inadvertently drive minors toward riskier digital behavior, such as using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or unmonitored channels.

"Child protection is not enough through access restrictions alone. Digital literacy, wise supervision, and good communication between parents and children must also be strengthened," added Minister Arifah.

Ultimately, the Ministry asserts that the safety of children online is a shared responsibility that transcends government policy. It requires a synchronized effort between families, schools, and the wider community to foster a culture of responsible technology use.

"Positive parenting in the digital era is the key so that children can utilize technology safely, healthily, and responsibly," concluded Minister Arifah. ***

Source: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5459499/kemenpppa-aturan-pelaksana-pp-tunas-lindungi-anak-di-ruang-digital