Islamic Boarding Schools Expected to Be a Fortress Protecting the Younger Generation in the Digital Era
Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Informatics, Meutya Hafid, emphasized the critical need for child protection in the digital space, which can no longer be delayed. During her visit to the Qomarul Huda Islamic Boarding School in Central Lombok on Tuesday (5/5/2026), she stated that digital platforms have a serious impact on children's behavior, concentration, and safety. The government is firmly implementing the PP TUNAS regulation as a concrete step.
Meutya revealed that there are real threats in the digital space, including recruitment efforts for radicalization through online games, as disclosed by the BNPT (National Counter-Terrorism Agency). She stressed that children are becoming targets, and therefore, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) are expected to be at the forefront in protecting the younger generation. Age restrictions on digital platform use, with a minimum age of 16, were also emphasized as a rule that must be followed without compromise.
Despite these threats, digital technology still holds positive potential for learning if utilized appropriately. Meutya encouraged children to use the internet to seek knowledge and for self-development. Collaboration between the government, pesantren, educational institutions, and the community is hoped to create a safe digital space and raise a generation that is both digitally literate and possesses noble character.
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