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Click with Caution: Keeping Indonesian Kids Safe Online

Published

1 year ago

on

Sumber: Freepik
 

Author: Sarah Crockett (Intern from Australia)

The world has become increasingly interconnected, with the use of smartphones and the internet skyrocketing globally. Children and young adults in particular are heavy users of social media and are at the forefront of digital usage. This rise in digital engagement has brought with it a host of opportunities, but also significant risks for young users. As children navigate the online world, they are increasingly exposed to dangers such as cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, and harmful content. Addressing online safety is thus an urgent priority for all countries. However, Indonesian children in particular have a high rate of access to the internet and all of the potential accompanying issues. 
 
According to the 2023 report by Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jasa Internet Indonesia (APJII), over 80% of children aged 10-17 in Indonesia have access to the internet, with the majority engaging through mobile devices. Popular platforms include TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram, often used without adequate supervision. While internet use can support learning and creativity, it also poses challenges when digital literacy and parental guidance are lacking. Many parents are less, or totally unfamiliar with some or all of these platforms, making it difficult to warn against same of the dangers of online engagement.
 
Children in Indonesia face a range of online risks. Cyberbullying has become prevalent on social media and there is also a risk of online grooming and sexual exploitation. These issues are exacerbated by the anonymity and accessibility of online communication, the ability of individuals to hide their identity emboldens them in their actions. ECPAT Indonesia noted a significant rise in online child sexual exploitation cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exposure to harmful content, including pornography, hate speech, and graphic violence, is also widespread and frequently insufficiently regulated. Girls in particular are more at risk of facing online harassment and discrimination.
 
Indonesia has enacted several laws to address online risks, including Law No. 11/2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions and Law No. 35/2014 on Child Protection. While these frameworks provide a foundation for action, enforcement remains inconsistent, and child-specific digital protections are still evolving. The Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) has launched digital literacy campaigns, but their reach and impact vary. Regional disparities and limited teacher training further constrain effective implementation.
 
To address this growing concern, the Indonesian government is preparing stronger safeguards for children on digital platforms. Inspired by recent steps taken by countries like Australia, Indonesia is considering a law that would restrict access to social media for users under the age of 16. The move follows increasing reports of online abuse and growing concerns among parents, educators, and child protection advocates. There has been a mixed response to this proposed safeguard, with some feeling it is overly restrictive and authoritarian while others feel it is a necessary measure to protect the mental health and safety of Indonesia’s children.
 
Kominfo is also working on interim child protection guidelines. These guidelines aim to regulate digital content, enforce stricter age verification mechanisms, and compel social media companies to take greater responsibility for harmful content on their platforms. While some critics worry about overregulation and the potential to limit young people’s access to information, many experts argue that the safety of children must come first. “Digital literacy alone is not enough,” says a child rights activist based in Jakarta. “We need infrastructure, policy, and corporate accountability to protect our children in cyberspace.”
 
There are various strategies that can be utilised to improve the safety of children online. In the home parents can be empowered with tools and knowledge about how to protect their children’s safety online through workshops. Schools can implement digital literacy programs into the curriculum to help children to understand the potential risks. Reporting systems for instances of online abuse can be created and made readily accessible and child-protection laws can also be enhance and updated to reflect the current online landscape.
 
Online safety for children in Indonesia is a pressing concern requiring coordinated action across sectors. With its growing digital youth population, Indonesia is well-positioned to lead regional efforts in child online protection. Prioritizing inclusive, culturally sensitive, and rights-based strategies will help ensure that all children can explore the digital world safely and confidently.
 
References
• APJII. (2023). Penetrasi & Perilaku Pengguna Internet Indonesia.
• ECPAT Indonesia. (2020). Online Child Sexual Exploitation in Indonesia.
• Kominfo. (2023). Digital Literacy Campaigns.
• Raharjo, B. (2022). Digital Parenting in Indonesia: Challenges and Cultural Contexts.
• UNICEF Indonesia. (2021). Digital Literacy for Children and Adolescents in Indonesia.
• UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti. (2020). Growing Up in a Connected World.
• UNESCO Jakarta. (2019). Safe Internet Use for Indonesian Youth.

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Opini

Physical & Emotional Intimacy in Healthy Relationships

Published

4 days ago

on

6 July 2026

By

Sumber foto: Freepik

Sexual health also includes healthy respectful relationships and intimate partnership.

What is intimacy?

Anna de Muinck Keizer university of Amsterdam

Intimacy is a multidimensional construct that consists of intellectual, personal, affective and physical aspects. Emotional and sexual aspects of intimacy are important predictors of satisfaction in a relationship. Intimacy can have a positive influence on the development of trust and bond in relationships and marriage.

Emotional intimacy is when partners feel the ability to behave, think or feel without fear of being judged. It is related to partner satisfaction, emotional well-being, communication, partner support, understanding and sexual well-being. Additionally, it can be a protective factor in romantic relationships and a key factor for mental health and well-being.

Sexual intimacy involves physical affection, trust and respectful communication between partners. Sexual desire has been positively associated to emotional and relationship quality. In addition, sexual satisfaction predicts higher relationship satisfaction.

Why is intimacy important?

Lack of intimacy is associated with relationship issues such as lost sense of security, jealousy between partners, prevention of processing of conflicts. When a relationship misses emotional intimacy, the relationship can feel lonely, disconnected from each other, not sharing important things, lack of support, which all can cause more conflicts and arguments. A lack of emotional intimacy can in turn cause lower sexual intimacy and lower relationship satisfaction.

The role of communication

Communication plays an important role in relationships; it can strengthen or hinder emotional and sexual intimacy between partners.  Individuals who experienced positive communication in their relationship are more likely to feel sexually and emotionally intimate with their partners and therefore satisfied with their relationships.

Tips on how to ensure emotional and sexual intimacy in your relationship:

  • Create an atmosphere for your partner where they will feel safe disclosing their vulnerabilities.
  • Encourage communication about their want and needs, ask questions.
  • Consider turning of electronic devices when spending time together, especially during mealtime.
  • Make time for each other and engage in mutually enjoyable fun activities.
  • Have a good balance between self-care and being together.

 

References

Aranda, V., Ayala, M., Esquivel, C., Ossandón, N., & Quinteros, C. (2024). Self-concealment and emotional intimacy in Chilean adults in a couple relationship. Iberoamerican Journal of Psychology and Public Policy, 1(2), 119–140. https://doi.org/10.56754/2810-6598.2024.0012

Beaulieu, N., Bergeron, S., Brassard, A., Byers, E. S., & Péloquin, K. (2022). Toward an integrative model of intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction: A Prospective Study in Long-Term Couples. The Journal of Sex Research, 60(8), 1100–1112. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.2129557

Lancer, D. (2023, April 4). 8 ways to nurture emotional intimacy in your marriage. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/men-growing-intimacy-in-marriage-1270945

Wider, W., Chua, B. S., Mutang, J. A., Tan, C. C., Jiang, L., Tanucan, J. C. M., Thant, Y. M., & Udang, L. N. (2025). Associations between intimacy in relationships and marital satisfaction across gender and in different durations of relationship. Cogent Psychology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2025.2545657

Yoo, H., Bartle-Haring, S., Day, R. D., & Gangamma, R. (2013). Couple communication, emotional and sexual intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 40(4), 275–293. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623x.2012.751072

 

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