The Indonesian government has officially announced a ban on high-risk social media platforms for citizens under the age of 16, citing the need to protect minors from digital addiction and harmful online content. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid confirmed the policy, a cornerstone of the “PP Tunas” child protection initiative, will begin full enforcement on March 28, 2026.
The measure could have consequences for the country’s esports ecosystem, with Esports Charts estimating popular esports titles could lose up to 14% of their viewership. Major platforms—TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and X—will be required to deactivate accounts held by underage users or face legal and financial sanctions.
Legal framework and restricted platforms
The regulation, Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, introduces a risk-based classification system for digital services. Platforms deemed “high-risk” due to their algorithmic nature or history of hosting predatory content are prohibited for those under 16. Lower-risk services may remain accessible to teenagers aged 13 to 15, with verifiable parental consent and enhanced privacy defaults.
To ensure compliance, service providers must integrate robust identity verification systems. Failure to comply could result in warnings, fines, or termination of access within Indonesian territory.
Impact on Mobile Legends and digital industry growth
While focused on child welfare, industry analysts warn of a ripple effect on Indonesia’s gaming sector. The country has become a global gaming powerhouse, with a player base reaching 155 million people—over half the population. This “mobile-only” nation relies on affordable smartphones for digital growth.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is central to this phenomenon. The game’s competitive ecosystem is a dominant economic force; MPL Indonesia Season 16 recently generated over 100 million hours of watch time. The M7 World Championship in January 2026 reached a peak of 5.68 million concurrent viewers.
The ban threatens these milestones by severing the connection between leagues and their youngest fans. Titles like MLBB and PUBG Mobile rely heavily on platforms like YouTube and TikTok for content distribution. TikTok Live regularly contributes hundreds of thousands of viewers to major events, including 1.4 million peak concurrent viewers at the recent M7 World Championship from Indonesia.
Esports Charts projects that the Indonesian segments for MLBB and PUBG Mobile could observe a substantial decline in total watch time, with MLBB potentially dropping by 23% and PUBG Mobile by 19%. These shifts could decrease MLBB’s total global Hours Watched by more than 15%, while PUBG Mobile may see a more moderate loss of over 4%.
The timing of the enforcement is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with the commencement of MPL Indonesia Season 17 on March 28, 2026. The league’s performance is a key benchmark for mobile engagement, and the immediate impact on viewership metrics is expected to be substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new regulation?
The regulation aims to protect minors from digital addiction and harmful online content, as stated by Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid.
Which platforms are considered “high-risk”?
Platforms deemed “high-risk” are those with an algorithmic nature or a history of hosting predatory content, and are prohibited for users under the age of 16.
What impact is the ban expected to have on esports viewership?
Esports Charts estimates that several popular esports titles could lose up to 14% of their viewership once the restrictions take effect.
As Indonesia navigates this new digital landscape, how might the interplay between government regulation and the evolving needs of its young, digitally-engaged population shape the future of online entertainment and safety?
