In a significant move to protect children from the growing dangers in the digital world, Indonesian authorities have enacted the Child Protection from Digital Risks Law, known as PP Tunas. This law aims to regulate children's use of digital platforms. The decision comes at a time when concerns are rising about the impacts of social media and online games on children's psychological and social well-being.
Forisni Aprilista, an activist in the field of women's and children's rights and the head of the Lintar Kartini Association, expressed her full support for this law, noting that it will help reduce children's exposure to harmful content such as pornography, cyberbullying, and data exploitation. She emphasized that this law represents a necessary step to protect children amid the increasing challenges they face in the digital space.
Details of the Legislation
The PP Tunas law, which was enacted in 2025, targets the regulation of children's use of digital platforms, imposing restrictions on children under the age of 16 from accessing these platforms. The law emphasizes the need for children to be psychologically and socially prepared to use social media, contributing to filtering the content they are exposed to.
In this context, Forisni confirmed that the threats facing children from negative content have become a common phenomenon throughout Indonesia, with numerous reports of children encountering risks due to unregulated internet use. Reports have shown that some children in the Kotawaringin Timur area have been radicalized as a result of video games, highlighting the urgent need for the implementation of this law.
Background & Context
The Lintar Kartini Association was established in 2012, aiming to provide support and assistance to women and children who have experienced violence. The association has played an active role in raising awareness about the dangers of unregulated social media use through awareness campaigns in schools and universities. This law comes at a time when concerns are escalating regarding the effects of the internet on children, especially with the rise in suicide and radicalization cases among youth.
Indonesia is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of internet users, making the protection of children from digital risks a vital issue. Studies have shown that children in Indonesia spend long hours online, increasing their exposure to dangers.
Impact & Consequences
The PP Tunas law is expected to have a significant impact on how children use the internet in Indonesia. It will contribute to reducing the number of children exposed to harmful content, thereby improving their psychological and social health. Additionally, the implementation of this law may encourage other countries in the region to take similar steps to protect their children.
However, the biggest challenge remains how to effectively implement this law, which requires cooperation between the government, schools, and families. There must be clear mechanisms in place to monitor children's internet use, along with providing psychological and social support for them.
Regional Significance
The issue of protecting children from digital risks is a global concern, as Arab countries also face similar challenges. With the increasing use of the internet and social media among children, it has become essential for Arab nations to adopt similar policies to protect their children. Indonesia's experience can serve as a model in this context, as Arab countries can benefit from the lessons learned from the implementation of this law.
In conclusion, there is hope that the PP Tunas law will contribute to protecting children from digital risks, ensuring them a safe and healthy environment for growth and development.