Indonesian Government Adopts Global Initiative on Child Protection in Digital Sphere

Indonesian Government Adopts Global Initiative on Child Protection in Digital Sphere

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi has announced that the Indonesian government has embraced the global initiative on child protection in the digital space. This significant move places Indonesia among the select 30 countries worldwide that have endorsed this vital initiative.

Speaking after the “2024 Road to World Public Relations Forum” on Tuesday, Minister Setiadi highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo), the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection in establishing a safe digital environment for children.

Minister Setiadi emphasized the pivotal role of parents in safeguarding children within the digital realm. “The current issue is how to be parents in the digital age because parents must also understand the developments in the digital realm, not only protect their children,” he elucidated.

In response to growing concerns about child safety online, the government is drafting a comprehensive regulation on child protection in the digital space. This regulation aims to provide assistance to children who become victims of violence in the digital sphere.

Usman Kansong, Director General of Public Information and Communication at Kominfo, outlined the key stakeholders involved in the regulation’s formulation and implementation. The regulation will focus on the roles of three main stakeholders: digital technology makers, the government, and society.

Kansong emphasized that the government is responsible for crafting and enforcing regulations, while digital technology innovators must prioritize child protection aspects in product development. Additionally, society, including parents, is tasked with supervising children’s activities in the digital space.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Kansong reiterated, “There are three stakeholders. In this case, we regulate the technology makers for the sake of protecting our children, as they are the nation’s future.”

The Indonesian government’s commitment to safeguarding children in the digital space underscores its dedication to ensuring the well-being and safety of its young citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.