Australia and Indonesia Stepped up Cooperation to Address Online Child Safety Challenge

Jakarta: Creating safer digital environments for children and young people is a growing concern for many governments, communities and parents. This year, Australia and Indonesia have stepped up our cooperation to address this challenge.

From 3 to 6 November, an Australian Government delegation visited Jakarta to discuss digital safety and regulating social media platforms, and share Australia's experience in developing world-leading social media reforms.

The delegation included representatives from the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA), and the eSafety Commissioner—an independent agency responsible for the regulation of online safety.

Indonesia's regulation to strengthen child safety and privacy in online environments, and a recent Memorandum of Understanding between six ministers demonstrates its commitment to protecting children in the digital space.

The Australian delegation joined Indonesia's Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) and other government entities responsible for addressing this challenge at a workshop and meetings. The workshop covered child protection governance and coordination in the digital age, legislative design, regulatory roles and stakeholder engagement.

Sarah Vandenbroek, DITRDCSA's First Assistant Secretary, Digital Platforms, Safety and Classification said, "We see experience sharing as a critical component of shaping effective global responses to online harms, and as a way to strengthen Australia's own approach through continued dialogue and learning."

Ashley Katz, eSafety's Manager of Industry Supervision added, "Strengthening online safety requires global cooperation. By sharing experiences and aligning regulatory approaches, we can create safer, more transparent digital environments for children and young people."

The visit built on ongoing Australian and Indonesian cooperation on digital governance, including through the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Economic Development. It showcased how our two countries are working together towards a safer, more inclusive digital environment.