School Year 2026/2027 Begins, Gawai Restriction Rules in Official Schools Implemented

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JAKARTA - The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) officially issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 18 of 2026 concerning Restrictions on the Use of Gawai in Educational Units which will be implemented in the 2026/2027 academic year. This policy is aimed at building a healthy, safe, and responsible digital culture among learners without eliminating the benefits of technology in the learning process.

Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti emphasized that restrictions on the use of gadgets do not mean that the government prohibits students from using digital devices. According to him, the use of gadgets is still allowed as long as it supports learning activities and is done wisely.

"The restrictions are not prohibitions, but how they use digital technology, especially gadgets, wisely, wisely, and for educational purposes," said Abdul Mu'ti, Monday, July 13.

Through the circular, the Ministry of Education targets an increase in the concentration of learning for students, strengthening social interaction in the school environment, supporting the Movement of Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children, and protecting children from the negative impact of using digital technology.

In its implementation, the principal is given the authority to formulate rules for the use of gadgets according to the characteristics and needs of each educational unit. However, the use of gadgets is still allowed if it is indeed necessary as part of the learning process.

Abdul Mu'ti said this policy was a preventive step to protect students from various risks of excessive use of technology, ranging from digital addiction, exposure to negative content, cyberbullying, to physical and mental health disorders.

According to him, this policy is increasingly relevant considering that the average Indonesian spends up to 7 hours and 32 minutes using the internet every day. Without adequate supervision, this duration has the potential to cause various problems for children's development.

"If they do not use this technology for positive things, then there will be many problems regarding mental and physical health. We really hope for cooperation between schools, families, communities, and digital service providers," he said.

In addition to regulating students, the Ministry of Education also asks teachers and education staff to be an example in the wise use of digital technology while in the school environment.

On the other hand, parents are encouraged to monitor the use of gadgets at home through the implementation of the 3S principle, namely screen time by limiting the duration of screen use, screen zone by setting a free area for gadgets at home, and screen breaks by giving a break from using digital devices periodically.

The Ministry of Education and Culture emphasized that the application of this principle needs to be adjusted to the age and stage of children's development so that the use of technology continues to support the learning process as well as the optimal growth and development of learners.