Indonesia launches child protection drives to curb violence and digital extremism

The Indonesian government reported around 21,000 cases of child violence and is strengthening the role of local heads under the National Safe and Comfortable Space for Children (Gernas Rana) initiative. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno said a decline in these figures will be the key indicator of the program’s success, which involves multiple ministries including Human Development, Communication and Digital, Education, Women and Child Protection, Population and Family, and Religious Affairs.

In parallel, President Prabowo Subianto signed a new National Action Plan for the Prevention of Extremism (2026‑2029) aimed at protecting children in the digital sphere. The plan, coordinated by Djamari Chaniago, seeks to counter emerging forms of violent extremism, including “nihilism” and mixed‑ideology threats online, by coordinating ministries, agencies, civil‑society groups and international partners. Police data show 230 arrests for extremist activities between 2023‑2025 and 115 cases of children exposed to online extremist content.