The Indonesian government has officially enforced Permenkomdigi Number 9 of 2026 as a regulatory framework to strengthen child protection in the digital environment. This regulation operationalizes Government Regulation (PP) Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of Electronic System Operators (PSE) in Child Protection, popularly known as PP TUNAS. It empowers authorities to impose administrative sanctions on PSE platforms that fail to comply with child safety obligations.
Under Article 42 of the regulation, the Directorate General has the authority to summon PSEs suspected of violating child protection rules. Notifications are issued formally through written letters or official electronic channels sent to the registered legal addresses of the PSEs. If these addresses are invalid or unreported changes occur, the summons are publicly announced on the ministry’s official website, constituting valid notification.
Three-Stage Summoning Procedure
The government applies a structured approach before imposing sanctions. The summoning process consists of three stages:
- First Summon: The PSE is notified to attend an inspection at a date and place aligned with its headquarters or residence.
- Second Summon: If the PSE does not comply with the first summons, a follow-up call is made within seven days.
- Third Summon: A final attempt is conducted seven days after the second, serving as the last official notice.
Should the PSE fail to appear after the third summons, the Directorate General can immediately impose administrative sanctions based on available evidence without further hearings. This procedural design ensures due process while addressing non-compliance decisively.
Restrictions on Children’s Accounts and Targeted Platforms
Minister of Communication and Digital Information, Meutya Hafid, emphasized preventive measures integral to the regulation. Access for children under 16 years old will be restricted or deactivated on digital platforms deemed to have a high risk of harming children. The restriction policy is set to take effect concurrently from March 28, 2026.
Major social media and digital service platforms under stringent surveillance include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), Bigo Live, and gaming platforms such as Roblox. These services are widely used by children in Indonesia and are now accountable for ensuring safer digital spaces. Platforms are expected not only to filter inappropriate content but also to limit the creation and use of accounts by underage users rigorously.
Impact on the Digital Ecosystem
The implementation of PP TUNAS represents a significant step toward enhancing digital child protection and sovereign control over electronic system operators in Indonesia. For the first time, PSEs face explicit legal obligations to secure their services from misuse and to protect younger users proactively.
This regulatory push signals that neglecting child protection duties is no longer tolerated. The establishment of administrative sanctions directly targets non-compliant platforms, promoting accountability and incentivizing platform operators to innovate safety features meaningfully.
As a result, the regulation is expected to foster a more hygienic and secure internet environment. It also encourages digital businesses operating in Indonesia to prioritize child safety as an integral part of their service delivery and corporate responsibility.
Key Features of PP TUNAS Enforcement:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Regulation Enacted | Permenkomdigi Number 9 of 2026 |
| Legal Basis | PP Number 17 of 2025 focusing on child protection in PSE governance |
| Sanction Authority | Directorate General under the Ministry of Communication and Digital Information |
| Summoning Process | Three formal summons via letters and electronic channels |
| Child Account Restriction | Applied to users under 16 years old on major social media & gaming platforms |
| Effective Date | March 28, 2026 |
| Target Platforms | YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), Bigo Live, Roblox |
| Penalty for Non-compliance | Administrative sanctions without further hearing after three summons |
This regulatory framework underlines Indonesia’s commitment to protecting its young internet users from harmful online exposure. It reflects global trends of imposing stricter digital age verification and content moderation requirements while tailoring the approach to local legal and cultural contexts.
Digital platforms operating or targeting Indonesian users must now enhance their safeguards, improve transparency, and comply fully with PP TUNAS to avoid penalties. The government’s firm stance through these regulations marks a critical evolution in how digital ecosystems handle children’s safety—promoting a balance between digital advancement and protective oversight.
