Indonesia’s PP Tunas Regulation Positions Child Online Protection as Long-Term Social Investment
Indonesia’s new regulation on child protection in digital spaces, known as PP Tunas, is being framed by lawmakers as a long-term investment in the country’s future generation. The policy introduces restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16 and requires digital platforms to strengthen safeguards for young users. According to a report by ANTARA News, policymakers see the measure as part of broader efforts to ensure children develop healthy social, emotional and digital habits.
Dini Rahmania, a member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR), said the regulation should be understood not simply as a restriction on technology but as a protective framework designed to support children’s long-term development. Rahmania, who serves on DPR Commission VIII, which oversees women’s and children’s protection issues, described the policy as an important step toward safeguarding young people in an increasingly digital society.
Regulation Aims to Support Healthy Development
Rahmania emphasised that children require supportive environments to develop their identity, values and emotional resilience. She argued that exposure to social media at an early age can disrupt these processes if not properly managed.
“As a member of DPR Commission VIII and a mother, I see this policy not merely as a restriction, but as protection and a long-term investment for our children’s future,” — Dini Rahmania, Member of the House of Representatives (DPR)
She noted that Indonesia’s young population must be able to navigate digital environments responsibly while also developing strong emotional, social and ethical foundations. The regulation therefore seeks to ensure children grow into citizens who are both digitally literate and capable of building meaningful relationships in the physical world.
Reinforcing the Role of Families
Rahmania warned that extensive social media exposure at a young age can weaken family interactions and reduce opportunities for children to learn empathy, responsibility and social awareness. She said the policy should also help restore the family’s role as the primary environment for learning and character formation.
According to the legislator, children benefit from direct engagement with parents and communities rather than relying primarily on online communication. Encouraging more balanced digital use could therefore strengthen social bonds and improve developmental outcomes.
“The state is present to ensure our children do not lose their childhood behind screens. Let’s use this momentum to bring children back to family warmth and real social interaction,” — Dini Rahmania, Member of the House of Representatives (DPR)
Platform Responsibilities Under PP Tunas
The regulation came into force on 28 March 2025 and places obligations on digital service providers operating in Indonesia. Initially, enforcement will focus on platforms considered to pose higher risks for young users, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Instagram, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
The policy forms part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to strengthen child online safety through platform regulation, alongside initiatives that combine regulatory oversight with public awareness and industry cooperation.
Government agencies and policymakers have also emphasised that regulation must be accompanied by education and digital literacy programmes. Previous initiatives have highlighted the importance of coordinated approaches that combine policy enforcement, platform accountability and community awareness to protect young internet users, as outlined in efforts to advance online child safety through regulation and literacy.
Rahmania said the long-term objective is to ensure that Indonesian children grow into socially engaged individuals who can contribute positively to their communities while using technology responsibly.
