Eyewitness – Jakarta Starting this weekend, children under the age of 16 in Indonesia will be prohibited from using social media. This new restriction follows the enactment of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 (also known as PP Tunas) and its derivative, Ministerial Regulation No. 9 of 2026, both of which are set to take effect on March 28, 2026.
Indonesia is poised to become the first large-scale nation to officially implement such a regulation. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), Meutya Hafid, explained that the number of children under 16 in the country has reached 70 million.
This figure is significantly higher compared to Australia, which implemented a similar ban last December, covering approximately 5.7 million children.
According to the law, there are approximately 82 million children under the age of 18. However, if we lower the threshold to 16 years old in accordance with this regulation, the figure stands at roughly 70 million,” stated Meutya during the Coordination Meeting for the Implementation of PP Tunas recently.
In the initial phase of the regulation’s implementation, eight social media platforms have been listed. These include YouTube, TikTok, Threads, Bigo Live, X, Instagram, Facebook, and Roblox.
X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced a mandatory age requirement of 16 for its users. According to the X Help Center page.
Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) Policy Implementation
It was stated that the obligation stems from government regulations aimed at introducing a Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA).
”SMMA prevents age-restricted social media platforms, including X, from allowing individuals under the age of 16 to create or maintain accounts,” X explained.
X further noted that detailed implementation plans will be announced at a later date.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs mentioned that X will begin identifying and deactivating non-compliant user accounts starting March 27, 2026.
“YouTube has previously addressed the regulation. In its statement, the video-sharing platform noted that it is currently reviewing the rules to ensure its policies align with the platform’s objectives, empower parents, and maintain access to learning for millions of Indonesians.
’We will continue to maintain constructive communication with the government and remain committed to protecting the younger generation in the digital world, rather than alienating them from it,’ a YouTube representative stated.
TikTok has also voiced its stance on the matter. According to a TikTok spokesperson, the company is coordinating with the ministry to further understand the provisions outlined in the regulation.”
The platform has reaffirmed its collaboration with the Indonesian government to ensure a secure digital environment for teenagers.
”Teenage accounts on TikTok are equipped with more than 50 safety, privacy, and security features that are activated by default. These are designed to help teens express their creativity safely, connect with friends, and learn on the platform,” explained a TikTok Spokesperson.
”We remain committed to working alongside the Indonesian government to ensure that teenagers can continue to access a safe online space.” Tiktok added.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
