Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government is adopting a risk-based approach to protect children in the digital space by addressing the diverse threats posed by various online platforms, an official said.”This approach stems from the understanding that the digital ecosystem is not uniform. Social media, online gaming, and other digital services each have unique interaction styles and risk profiles,” stated Alexander Sabar, Director of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.Speaking at a discussion on Friday, Sabar noted that technological advancements have fundamentally changed how Indonesian children learn, interact, and build their social identities.He cited 2025 data from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) showing that internet penetration among Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) has reached 87.8 percent. According to the same data, the penetration rate among Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) stands at 79.73 percent.”This indicates that the digital space has become an integral part of a child's growth and development,” Sabar remarked.He warned that rising internet access is accompanied by risks such as exposure to negative content, bullying, and sexual exploitation.According to the 2025 Child Protection Roadmap, children face various digital threats, including inappropriate content, online sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and the misuse of personal data. Furthermore, results from the 2024 National Survey on the Life Experiences of Children and Adolescents show that more than 13 percent of children aged 13 to 17 have experienced cyberbullying. Sabar said this situation demands proactive protection efforts.He added that protecting children online must be an integral part of comprehensive digital ecosystem governance.To this end, the Indonesian government issued Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection to promote risk-based safeguards.Under this approach, every digital product, service, and feature is assessed based on its potential impact on children.Sabar stated the regulation ensures that innovation aligns with child safety principles and the best interests of the child.Finally, he highlighted the importance of ensuring these regulations are effective and clear to avoid uncertainty that could negatively affect the growth of the digital economy.