inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid stated that children are vulnerable to becoming victims of online fraud, so the active role of parents is considered crucial in monitoring and protecting them from digital crimes.
She explained that the government has issued Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection (PP Tunas) to create a safer and more conducive digital ecosystem for children amidst increasing exposure to the risks of online crime. However, the regulation will not be effective without the direct involvement of parents at home.
"This regulation was created to create a healthier digital ecosystem, but its implementation depends heavily on parental involvement at home, with mothers playing a crucial role in mentoring their children," said Meutya on Thursday (1/15/2026).
Meutya revealed that, according to data from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), as many as 22 percent of internet users in Indonesia have experienced online fraud.
With nearly 50 percent of internet users in Indonesia being children under 18, the prevalence of child victims is very high. Data from the Safer Internet Center shows that 46 percent of children aged 8–17 have experienced online fraud.
"This shows that children are a highly vulnerable group in the digital space. We can't let children go into the forest alone just because it looks beautiful, because there's always the potential for danger," said Minister Meutya.
The Tunas Regulation regulates the responsibilities of digital platforms in protecting children, including managing children's accounts, limiting risky features, and requiring stricter monitoring systems.
This regulation is designed to ensure that child protection relies not only on family awareness but also on the responsibility of electronic system operators. However, the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs emphasized that parental guidance remains the primary bulwark against child protection.
"We want women who are active in the digital realm to be empowered. Empowered to strengthen their families' finances, improve their education, and protect their children in the digital space," he emphasized.
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