The implementation of social media restrictions for children in Indonesia requires more than regulation alone, according to a public policy expert who emphasized the need for supporting infrastructure and community involvement.
Tobirin from Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto said the policy is a positive step but must be accompanied by the provision of child-friendly facilities to ensure its effectiveness, particularly in regional areas.
“This policy is positive because it aligns with the Child Protection Law and its derivatives, including Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025, known as PP Tunas, which aims to protect children from violence, sexual abuse, and harmful influences such as pornography,” he said on Sunday.
Tobirin noted that the enforcement of social media restrictions for children demonstrates the government’s seriousness in addressing risks in the digital space.
The policy is also in line with global trends, where countries are increasingly introducing measures to limit children’s exposure to social media and online risks.
However, he warned that the real challenge lies not in policy formulation, but in implementation at the regional level.
According to Tobirin, high dependence on gadgets among children and limited digital literacy within communities are key obstacles that must be addressed.
He explained that the success of any public policy depends on two critical elements: a strong bureaucratic structure and effective communication.
From a governance perspective, regional administrations must actively involve multiple stakeholders, including education offices, schools, and families.
Teachers, from primary to secondary levels, are seen as crucial actors in delivering education on digital literacy, media safety, and responsible social media use.
Through structured guidance, schools can help children better understand the risks associated with online platforms and encourage more responsible behavior.
Tobirin stressed that educational institutions should not only enforce rules but also build awareness and critical thinking among students.
Beyond institutional roles, Tobirin highlighted the importance of widespread communication to ensure the public understands the policy.
He said outreach efforts must extend beyond central government announcements and reach communities at the grassroots level through media, schools, and family networks.
“A good policy will not be effective if it is not communicated properly. Massive outreach is essential so that people understand the substance of this regulation,” said the deputy dean for academic affairs at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Unsoed.
Tobirin emphasized that families play a central role in supervising children’s digital behavior. Parents are responsible for guiding their children and helping them understand the risks of excessive social media use.
He noted that without active parental involvement, regulatory measures alone would not be sufficient to protect children.
Need for child-friendly public spaces
In addition to regulation and education, Tobirin called on local governments to provide alternative activities through the development of child-friendly public facilities.
These include parks, playgrounds, and reading spaces that encourage children to engage in physical, social, and creative activities outside the digital environment.
“Child-friendly facilities are important so that children have healthy and enjoyable alternatives without always relying on gadgets,” he said.
He also encouraged the involvement of community organizations in reviving traditional games and promoting literacy programs with innovative and modern approaches.
Tobirin concluded that social media restrictions for children should not be treated as a standalone measure. Instead, they must be supported by a comprehensive ecosystem involving education, infrastructure, and community engagement.
“This is not just an instruction, but requires synergy from various parties to ensure optimal child protection,” he said.
Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, also known as PP Tunas, officially came into effect on March 28, 2026, after being issued by Prabowo Subianto in 2025.
The regulation includes provisions that limit access to digital platforms for children under the age of 16, aiming to reduce exposure to risks such as cyberbullying, digital fraud, and harmful content.
Technical implementation guidelines are outlined in Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation No. 9 of 2026, which sets compliance standards for digital platforms operating in Indonesia.
As Indonesia moves forward with enforcing social media restrictions for children, experts agree that success will depend on a balanced approach.
Combining regulation with education, infrastructure, and active participation from families and communities will be key to ensuring that children are protected while still able to grow and develop in a healthy environment.
