She warned that women and children are increasingly vulnerable to becoming victims of digital crime, ranging from sextortion and fraud based on content manipulation to human trafficking.
“The digital realm makes it easier for people to commit extortion, fraud and human trafficking against women. This shows that we must all work together to protect women in the digital space,” Hafid said in a talkshow on a private television station on Monday (April 20).
She believes these threats can no longer be viewed as a simple internet nuisance, but rather as a safety issue that requires stronger protection.
According to her, cybercrime is growing faster due to the ease of content distribution and the anonymity of perpetrators.
In response to this challenge, the government has implemented a policy of restricting digital account access for children under 16, starting in March 2025.
Indonesia is the second country after Australia to take this step.
“We are not restricting internet access, but rather allowing children to have their own accounts until they are 16. This aims to protect children from the real dangers they face when they are not yet ready for the vast digital space,” Hafid emphasized.
She explained that this policy stems from concerns about the high intensity of internet use among children, which has the potential to disrupt mental health and learning concentration, and even open them to exposure to harmful content.
Currently, at least 19 countries are reviewing similar policies, modeled after Indonesia’s implementation.
Furthermore, Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry continues to strengthen digital oversight, including expediting the handling of violent content and improving coordination with law enforcement.
“Violence against women in the digital space is just as serious as crimes in the physical space. Therefore, law enforcement must address this issue,” Hafid concluded.
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Translator: Farhan Arda Nugraha, Yashinta Difa
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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