Burst Of SMAN 72: DPR Asks Government To Tighten Regulation Of All Digital Platforms

Illustration of social media applications (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission I DPR RI, Junico Siahaan asked the government to strengthen digital platform regulations, after the explosion at SMAN 72 Jakarta which was allegedly related to online content exposure. According to him, not only online games are limited, but all digital platforms specifically for children and adolescents.

"We can't just rely on automatic filters or moral appeals. The state must set strict rules with clear sanctions for violating platforms," Junico told reporters, Friday, November 14.

Junico also encouraged the government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) to regulate mechanisms across digital platforms, in addition to online games. He assessed that Indonesia could emulate the regulatory model in Australia, where access to certain games and digital content is only allowed for a minimum age of 16 years.

"The government, especially Komdigi, must have a mechanism that can regulate anyone who can access games and all digital platforms. Rules like Australia can be used as a reference. Registration and age control systems are required for all platform organizers. If there is a violation, there must be legal consequences," explained the man who is familiarly called Nico Siahaan.

"We are talking about all PSEs. All digital platforms, not just online games. Social media, streaming content, interactive applications, all must comply with the same rules. Digital space should not be a free area without responsibility," continued the PDIP legislator from the West Java electoral district.

The member of the House of Representatives commission in charge of communication and informatics affairs also encouraged Komdigi to strengthen cooperation across ministries and sectors, including the world of education, mental health, and child protection. So, said Nico, the digital ecosystem in Indonesia can be safe and support the growth and development of the younger generation.

"We have to build a healthy digital system with supervision, digital literacy in schools and families, as well as an easy reporting mechanism for parents and society. The state must not be less fast than technology," he said.

Nico added that the digital space restriction policy must be structured based on scientific evidence, consider the social-economic impact and be balanced with public education. "Restrictions without the readiness of a monitoring and mentoring system can be counterproductive and actually cause resistance in the community," he concluded.

As is known, the government plans to limit a number of online games, including PUBG, following the explosion of SMA 72 Jakarta. The Indonesian government is currently considering blocking the Player Unknown's Battleground (PUBG) game.

This blocking issue emerged after the PUBG game was linked to the perpetrators of the explosion incident that occurred at SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta on Friday, November 7. The government considers this game to trigger perpetrators to carry out acts of violence.