RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) is overseeing the policy restricting social media access for children under 16. The policy is based on the Government Regulation on the Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection (PP TUNAS).

Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi expressed full support for the policy. She said the measure strengthens child protection in the digital space.

“The government is striving to build a holistic and effective child protection system in the digital space. This step ensures that children’s best interests remain the top priority in the use of digital technology,” Minister Arifah said in a press statement in Jakarta on Monday, March 30, 2026.

She explained that inappropriate use of social media by children can lead to serious negative consequences, including addiction, mental health disorders, and a higher risk of digital violence.

“We see that inappropriate use of social media by children can cause negative impacts, ranging from addiction and mental health disorders to the risk of digital-based violence,” she said.

KemenPPPA will collaborate with the Ministry of Communication and Digital to monitor the implementation of the policy. Minister Arifah emphasized that the monitoring focuses on child protection in the digital space.

“Together with the Ministry of Communication and Digital, and stakeholders, we will continue to monitor the implementation of the policy restricting social media access for children under 16. For us, this policy is not simply about restricting access, it is a joint effort to ensure the digital space is safe and healthy,” she said.

Previously, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar expressed full support for the implementation of Ministerial Regulation of the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Permen Komdigi) No. 9/2026. The regulation is a derivative of Government Regulation No. 17/2025, also known as PP TUNAS.

Minister Nasaruddin described the current digital space as a “boundless jungle” that requires mental and spiritual readiness, especially for children. He said the suspension of social media access for children under 16, which took effect on March 28, 2026, is a strategic step.

“We want to ensure that religious and ethical foundations are firmly embedded in the family and educational environment before children enter the digital world,” Minister Nasaruddin said in a video statement on Thursday, March 19, 2026. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)