Indonesia has announced the implementation of the Child Protection Law No. 17 of 2025, which aims to regulate the use of social media and protect children from associated risks. This decision comes at a time when global concerns about the negative effects of social media on children are increasing, marking an important step towards enhancing digital safety.
In statements, Firman Kurniawan, a digital culture and communication expert, affirmed that this law could serve as a model for many other countries looking to impose restrictions on social media use for children. He noted that Indonesia, being one of the largest countries in terms of internet users, positions itself as a leader in this area.
Details of the Law
The Child Protection Law in Indonesia will take effect starting from March 28, 2026, aiming to reduce the risks children face in the digital space. The law includes a set of measures designed to regulate social media use, including imposing penalties on platforms that do not comply with the new rules.
Kurniawan pointed out that Indonesia is not alone in this direction, as many governments worldwide have begun taking similar steps to mitigate the impact of social media on children, amid rising cases of addiction and digital violence.
Background & Context
Indonesia is considered one of the largest countries in terms of internet users, with data indicating that there are approximately 230.4 million active users, making it the fourth-largest globally. Among these, children under 18 years old represent a significant proportion, accounting for about 48% of total users.
These measures come in the context of increasing global awareness regarding the risks associated with unregulated internet use, especially among children and adolescents. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to psychological and behavioral problems, necessitating effective actions to protect children.
Impact & Consequences
The Child Protection Law in Indonesia could have a significant impact on how other countries address digital safety issues. This move is expected to encourage other nations to adopt similar policies, potentially leading to radical changes in social media usage.
Moreover, this law may contribute to enhancing international cooperation in the field of online child protection, as it could become a model to be emulated worldwide. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has expressed his support for this initiative, reflecting the importance of this issue on the international stage.
Regional Significance
In the Arab region, concerns are rising regarding the impact of social media on children and adolescents, making Indonesia's experience particularly significant. This step could inspire Arab countries to adopt similar policies to protect children from digital risks.
Additionally, collaboration between Arab countries and Indonesia in this field could lead to the development of effective strategies to tackle digital challenges, thereby enhancing the safety of children in the digital space.