Indonesia is urging schools to proactively cultivate a culture of responsible gadget use among students, focusing on balanced “screen time, screen zone and screen break” practices. The push comes as officials express concern over rising rates of internet usage and a link between excessive screen time and both online and offline criminal activity among young people. The initiative isn’t about banning devices, but rather ensuring technology supports learning and healthy development, rather than hindering it.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti emphasized the importance of this approach on Monday, following an education quality improvement assistance event at public elementary school SDN 8 Depok Baru in Depok City, West Java, where Rp75 million (approximately $4,800 USD as of November 21, 2024) was allocated. Mu’ti stated the ministry fully supports the implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Protection of Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, often referred to as the “Tunas Regulation.”
Understanding the ‘Tunas’ Regulation and Indonesia’s Digital Landscape
The Tunas Regulation aims to safeguard children in the digital realm, recognizing the increasing prevalence of online risks. Indonesia’s internet usage is notably high, with citizens spending an average of 7.3 hours online per day, according to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. This high level of connectivity necessitates a proactive approach to digital literacy and responsible technology use, particularly among vulnerable young populations.
The regulation doesn’t prescribe a blanket ban on gadgets in schools. Instead, it calls for a nuanced approach that considers students’ developmental stages. “The PP Tunas regulation does not prohibit the use of gadgets but limits their use according to students’ developmental stages so that devices support, rather than hinder, the learning process,” Mu’ti explained. Schools are being encouraged to strengthen supervision of screen time, designate appropriate “screen zones” – areas where device use is permitted – and enforce regular “screen breaks.”
Concerns Over Online Crime and Student Well-being
The impetus for this renewed focus stems from a worrying trend: a rise in criminal cases involving individuals under 18. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has observed that many of these cases are linked to excessive and irresponsible gadget use. These incidents span both online offenses, such as involvement in online gambling, and offline incidents, including violence among students.
Officials are concerned that unchecked access to digital devices can hinder students’ physical, emotional, and social development. Mu’ti warned that children, often lacking awareness of the risks, are susceptible to online exploitation and criminal activity facilitated through social media platforms. “Many children, due to their lack of awareness, fall into online gambling or other crimes introduced by irresponsible parties through various social media services,” he said. The goal is to foster “healthy physical, intellectual, moral, and social lifestyles” among students.
What Schools Are Already Doing
Many schools across Indonesia have already begun implementing restrictions on gadget use. These measures range from outright bans on devices in classrooms to allowing limited access solely for educational purposes. The Ministry is now seeking to standardize and strengthen these efforts, providing guidance and support to schools in developing effective policies. A related initiative, highlighted in a recent report, focuses on bolstering digital literacy among teachers, equipping them with the skills to navigate these challenges and educate students about responsible online behavior.
the Ministry of Religious Affairs has emphasized the importance of grounding children’s digital access in faith and ethics, recognizing the role of moral values in shaping responsible online behavior. As reported by ANTARA, this holistic approach aims to provide a comprehensive framework for protecting children in the digital age.
Looking Ahead: Implementation and Ongoing Support
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is continuing to socialize the Tunas Regulation and provide resources to schools to support its implementation. The focus will be on developing clear guidelines for screen time management, establishing designated screen zones, and promoting regular screen breaks. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to assess the effectiveness of these measures and craft adjustments as needed.
The next key step involves a series of regional workshops for school administrators and teachers, scheduled to begin in December 2024, to provide practical training on implementing the 3S framework and addressing the challenges of responsible gadget use. The Ministry will likewise be releasing a comprehensive toolkit for schools, including sample policies, educational materials, and resources for parents.
This initiative represents a significant step towards creating a safer and more supportive digital environment for Indonesian students. It’s a recognition that technology, while offering immense opportunities, also presents risks that must be proactively addressed. What are your thoughts on balancing technology use with student well-being? Share your comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.
