Implementation of PP TUNAS Must Balance the Protection and Development of Digital Talent

Digital learning illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning Child Protection Governance in the Implementation of Electronic Systems (PP TUNAS) needs to be designed in a balanced manner so as not only to protect children from various risks in the digital space, but also to support the development of skills needed by the younger generation to compete in the digital economy.

This view was conveyed by Senior Trade Analyst and Government Relations Indonesia Services Dialogue (ISD Council), Anika Widiana. According to him, child protection is a very important goal, but its implementation needs to consider the need for human resource development which will be the foundation for Indonesia's economic growth in the future.

"Children and adolescents today are the workforce, innovators, and Indonesian digital economy players in the coming decade. Therefore, digital protection needs to go hand in hand with the development of the skills they need to compete in the era of technology-based economies," said Anika in her statement, Monday, June 8.

He explained that social media and digital platforms are no longer just a means of entertainment. For many children and adolescents, the digital space has evolved into an informal learning space that allows them to develop communication skills, creativity, entrepreneurship, digital design, programming, digital marketing, and cross-border collaboration.

According to Anika, various international studies show that digital skills and technology literacy are important factors that determine global labor productivity and competitiveness.

"If Indonesia wants to get out of the middle-income trap and increase economic productivity, then investment in the digital skills of the younger generation must be a priority. The digital space is one of the important means to achieve this," he said.

He added that a number of countries have implemented approaches that balance child protection with the development of digital talent. The European Union, for example, strengthens media literacy and digital security through the education system, while South Korea and Singapore use digital platforms to support the development of leadership, innovation, and the technological skills of the younger generation.

According to Anika, the experience of these countries shows that child protection does not have to be realized through excessive access restrictions, but can go hand in hand with the development of the capacity of the younger generation.

In the context of Indonesia, he reminded that the implementation of PP TUNAS also needs to pay attention to the digital gap that still exists in various regions. In a number of regions, mobile phones are often the only means that children have to access learning, information, and communication with teachers.

"In big cities, children may have access to various devices and learning resources. However, in many areas, a single mobile phone used by the family is often the only gateway to digital education. Policies that do not take this condition into account risk widening the opportunity gap," he explained.

Anika assessed that the biggest risk was not only the reduced access to social media, but the loss of opportunities for children from vulnerable groups to acquire skills that are increasingly needed in the modern job market.

In the long term, this condition has the potential to affect the quality of national human resources and reduce Indonesia's competitiveness in the rapidly growing regional digital economy.

Therefore, he encouraged that the implementation of PP TUNAS not only focuses on the aspect of restricting access, but is also accompanied by strengthening digital literacy from an early age, assistance for parents, and collaboration between the government, educational institutions, technology platforms, and the industrial sector.

According to him, various programs such as online training, digital mentoring, innovation competitions, and the development of digital entrepreneurship can be part of a strategy to create a safe and productive digital space for children and adolescents.

"The ultimate goal is not only to create children who are safe in the digital space, but also a generation that is productive, innovative, and ready to be the driving force of the Indonesian economy in the future," said Anika.

He emphasized that the success of the PP TUNAS will ultimately be determined by the ability of the policy to balance child protection with the development of the capacity of the younger generation.

"Good regulation not only protects young generations from risks, but also ensures that they have the opportunity to develop, innovate, and contribute to the future of the Indonesian economy," he concluded.