The Indonesian Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga) has announced the launch of a new program aimed at educating families about the risks associated with children using digital technology. This announcement comes as part of the government's efforts to protect children from potential dangers that may arise from exposure to inappropriate content in the digital space.
During a press conference held in Jakarta, Secretary General Budi Setiyono emphasized that the program will rely on Family Support Teams (TPK) that will visit homes directly to provide necessary information regarding new laws related to child protection in the digital environment.
Event Details
The ministry aims, through this program, to raise awareness among families about the risks associated with digital technology, such as exposure to violent or sexual content, in addition to the negative impacts on children's social development. Setiyono explained that digital interaction is not always real interaction, which may adversely affect children's communication skills.
He also pointed out that the goal is not to prevent children from using digital devices, but to ensure that their usage is safe and monitored. He confirmed that this aligns with Law No. 17 of 2025, which aims to regulate the use of electronic systems to protect children.
Background & Context
This initiative comes at a time when global concerns about children's safety in the digital space are increasing. Previous studies have shown that children in many countries are exposed to risks related to privacy and the exploitation of their personal data. In Indonesia, where internet usage among youth is rising, the need to protect children from these risks has become urgent.
In recent years, Indonesia has seen a significant increase in the number of internet users, leading to new challenges related to child protection. Reports have indicated that many children do not know how to protect their personal data online, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Impact & Consequences
This initiative is considered an important step towards enhancing family awareness of digital risks. These efforts are expected to contribute to reducing cases of exploitation and violations that children may face in the digital space. Additionally, raising awareness about how to use technology safely can help develop children's communication skills.
Furthermore, this initiative may contribute to shaping new policies for child protection in Indonesia, which could positively influence how the government addresses data protection and privacy issues in the future.
Regional Significance
This initiative serves as a model for the Arab region, where many countries face similar challenges regarding child protection in the digital space. Arab countries could benefit from Indonesia's experience in enhancing family awareness and developing policies to protect children from digital risks.
As internet usage continues to rise in the Arab world, it becomes essential for Arab governments to adopt similar strategies to ensure the safety of children and protect them from potential dangers.