Indonesia's Digital Policy Needs to "Level Up" — Here Are PERMIKOMNAS's Notes to Komdigi
JAKARTA, April 7, 2026 -- The National Informatics and Computer Student Association (PERMIKOMNAS) believes that digital policy in Indonesia needs to be strengthened to address the growing complexity of challenges in the ever-evolving digital space.
This was conveyed during an audience between PERMIKOMNAS Central Board and Regional Board VI of DKI Jakarta with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi). In the meeting, PERMIKOMNAS delivered a number of notes regarding the direction of national digital policy, particularly the need to shift from an administrative approach toward a more systemic and adaptive one.
PERMIKOMNAS noted that existing policies still tend to focus on administrative aspects, such as user age restrictions. Meanwhile, the dynamics of the digital space are largely driven by how systems operate — including platform algorithms, content distribution, and the digital advertising ecosystem.
"The digital space is not entirely neutral, as it is shaped by systems and algorithms. Therefore, policies need to be adapted to reflect that nature," the association stated during the audience.
AUDIENCE. PERMIKOMNAS representatives discuss with Komdigi officials during an audience on national digital policy in Jakarta, Monday (7/4/2026). The meeting addressed the need for a more systemic approach to digital governance in Indonesia. (Photo: PERMIKOMNAS Doc.)
Additionally, PERMIKOMNAS emphasized the importance of strengthening digital literacy in a comprehensive — not piecemeal — manner. Digital literacy needs to be built as an ecosystem that includes the development of national modules, adaptive guidelines, and consistent regulatory implementation.
In terms of governance, PERMIKOMNAS also pushed for stronger oversight of digital platforms, including through algorithm audit mechanisms, control over the distribution of high-risk content, and supervision of the digital advertising ecosystem. Child protection in the digital space was highlighted as one of the primary concerns in this area.
On another front, the development of digital human resources was seen as still facing challenges, particularly regarding uneven access to competency certification. This calls for stronger synergy between the education sector, industry, and government to build a sustainable digital talent ecosystem.
Cybersecurity was also a key topic in the audience. PERMIKOMNAS advocated for strengthening the national cybersecurity ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration, including startup development and the implementation of innovative schemes such as a policy sandbox.
The audience also reaffirmed the role of students as stakeholders in the development of the national digital ecosystem, as well as a bridge between the aspirations of the younger generation and the direction of government policy.
GROUP PHOTO. PERMIKOMNAS representatives and Komdigi officials gather for a photo after a formal audience discussing Indonesia's national digital policy framework, Jakarta, April 7, 2026. (Photo: PERMIKOMNAS Doc.)
Through this meeting, PERMIKOMNAS concluded that Indonesia's digital policy requires strengthening to become more responsive, adaptive, and capable of comprehensively addressing the challenges of the digital space.
