Topic: 2025 – Protecting and Empowering Youth in Digital Spaces
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Adam Weston
Country: Republic of Indonesia
Delegate: Adam Weston
School: Williamston High School
Committee: Human Rights Council
Topic: Protecting and Empowering Youth in Digital Spaces
In this modern age the internet is increasingly potent in nearly everyone’s lives. It’s a center for information, communication, personal hobbies, and work. However it can pose a risk to youth. Not only for little moderation on content but the danger of predators and cyber bullying. In modern times over 70% of youth are online, this then brings cyberspace as extremely influential in adolescents lives. While also affecting safety, privacy, mental health and developments of youth. Keeping youth access to digital space is pivotal. Youth can use the digital space for education, social interaction, and development of skills. However there are a variety of risks associated with online use. Harmful content is frequent over the internet and could be accessed accidentally. Material is often explicit and not factually correct, and can harm the development of youth. Cyberbullying also poses a severe risk, it can originate from other youth and lead to mental health issues. Another risk for children is loss of privacy and personal data. The amount of websites that can collect and store information is ever increasing, this can lead to targeted ads that can attack youth and manipulate them. In short the online world has its ups and downs, however regarding safety and youth access, that is pivotal to regulate.
Indonesia views protecting youth as a top priority whilst also allowing and promoting access to beneficial content. In Indonesia anyone under 18 is viewed as youth and has protection online from the Child Protection Law (Law No. 23/2002, amended 2014) and Personal Data Protection Law(Law No. 27/2022). These laws aimed to promote a safer online space by including the core principles of non-discrimination, right to life, survival and development, and safety. The law also provides harsh penalties for abusers and perpetrators, particularly focused around sexual violence. The Child Protection Law also helps by imposing special protections for child victims. The Personal Data Protection Law protects the rights of data subjects, limits the extent of data collection, ensures accurate data storage, and the security of the data that is being kept and stored. Sanctions and penalties can be delivered to firms that don’t follow these rules. Indonesia is dedicated to making the internet safer for all youth.
Indonesia acknowledges that the internet is commonly used as a place where punishments don’t necessarily follow the individual for their actions and individuals can perform in any way they desire. One way to help regulate the digital space is the enforcement of cyber laws. Such enforcements for breaking said laws could be a financial fine or some sort of ban or restriction on the individual. The laws being mentioned would be up to each nation, this helps ensure national sovereignty. The laws would also be focused on youth explicitly and manners that could be taken to ensure their protection and empowerment of their online use. Indonesia is willing to work in compliance with ASEAN countries to see a joint effort concluded and performed to the highest standard.
Works Cited
Virgiany, Michelle, et al. “New Regulation Strengthens Online Safety for Children.” Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung, 13 June 2025, https://www.hbtlaw.com/insights/2025-06/new-regulation-strengthens-online-safety-children. Accessed 17 November 2025.
Zainal Husein, Zacky, and Muhammad I qsan Sirie Muhammad Iqsan Sirie. “Decoding Indonesia’s Latest Online Child Safety Regulations: What Digital Platforms Need to Know.” Assegaf Hamzah & Partners, https://www.ahp.id/decoding-indonesias-latest-online-child-safety-regulations-what-digital-platforms-need-to-know/. Accessed 17 November 2025.
Indonesia: Undang-undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 23 Tahun 2002 tentang Perlindungan Anak (Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection), 22 October 2002, https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2002/en/103932 [accessed 17 November 2025]
