Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital is drafting a regulation to impose age restrictions on social media use, Reuters reported. Although the specific age limit has not been disclosed, the move is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure children's safety in digital spaces. President Prabowo Subianto recently met with Communications Minister Meutya Hafid at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta to discuss measures for safeguarding young users online. Minister Hafid briefed the president on various digital transformation initiatives led by her ministry, including advancements in e-government systems.

After the meeting, Hafid shared, “We discussed efforts to protect children in the digital realm. The specifics will be seen later.” She emphasised the need for stronger regulations to enhance child safety online, hinting at the possibility of drafting new government directives to address these concerns effectively.

Collaborative efforts doe safer digital spaces

Minister Hafid highlighted the government’s priority to safeguard children in digital environments. The initial focus will be on issuing government regulations, with plans to develop stable legal frameworks in collaboration with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). President Prabowo has expressed full support for these efforts, urging the ministry to continue prioritising child safety in the digital sphere.

Advancing digitalisation and bureaucratic reform

In addition to child safety, the president directed the ministry to accelerate digitalisation in public services. Minister Hafid underscored how these efforts will enhance transparency, efficiency, and modernisation, making them essential for bureaucratic reform.

Global context

Indonesia’s initiative aligns with growing international concerns over the impact of digital platforms on young users. The Communications and Digital Ministry’s proactive measures aim to create a safer, more responsible online environment for the country’s youth.