JAKARTA – Indonesia has become the latest nation to impose strict social media limitations on minors, announcing Friday that children under 16 will be blocked from accessing popular platforms in an effort to combat online dangers and addiction.
Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid revealed the government will implement new restrictions through regulations that take effect March 28. The policy makes Indonesia the first non-Western nation to establish such comprehensive social media age limits.
Multiple countries have recently enacted similar protective measures as concerns grow about social media’s effects on young people’s safety and mental wellbeing. Australia implemented its under-16 social media prohibition in December, while Spain announced comparable restrictions last month. Indonesia’s regional neighbor Malaysia also plans to enforce a 16-year age minimum starting in 2026.
The Indonesian restrictions will target what officials call “high risk platforms,” specifically naming TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Roblox. Accounts belonging to underage users will face systematic deactivation as the new rules roll out.
“The process will be done gradually until all platforms perform their obligations,” Hafid explained in her video announcement, though she did not specify what companies must do to comply with the requirements.
The minister acknowledged the policy may create initial challenges for families. “We realise this may cause discomfort in the beginning. Children may complain and parents may be confused dealing with their complaints,” she stated.
Hafid emphasized the serious online threats facing young users, saying “Our children are facing risks, from porn, cyberbullying, online fraud to most importantly, addiction.”
The affected companies – TikTok, Meta (which operates Facebook and Instagram), and Roblox – have not yet provided responses to the announcement. Indonesian ministry officials also have not released additional details about how the regulations will be implemented.
Data from Indonesia’s internet service providers’ association shows the scope of the challenge, with internet usage reaching nearly 80% of the country’s 280 million residents in 2024. Their survey of 8,700 people found that nearly half of children under 12 have internet access, with some already using the platforms targeted by the new restrictions. Among Gen Z users aged 12 to 27, internet penetration reaches 87%.
