TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi spoke about the establishment of a Social Media Council before the Commission I of the House of Representatives on Monday, June 10, 2024. He claimed the plan was based on a study by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is said that the council aims to protect children from digital violence and bullying according to UNESCO standards.

Initially, the minister said the creation of the Social Media Council was based on input from civil society organizations (CSOs).

He then touched on a study from UNESCO which was the consideration for forming this Council. “This is what UNESCO proposed, to form a social media council," said Budi Arie at the meeting.

According to Budi Arie, DMS is not merely an idea by the government but is based on an academic study. However, he also said it is yet to be implemented in Indonesia as the ministry is currently reviewing the idea.

Budi Arie believes that DMS is an advanced idea to face current developments. "Especially with AI (artificial intelligence), we will protect everything from safety to ethics," said Budi Arie.

Previously, a member of Commission I of DPR from the Golkar Party faction, Nurul Arifin, questioned the government’s plan to form a Social Media Council. “There is no law to govern the Social Media Council, what is the basis for this? And will it have the same function as the Press Council?” he said.

Budi Arie then explained to reporters that the council has a similar spirit to the Press Council. “It’s not going to restrain (social media), no. But the children must be protected,” Budi Arie said.

SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN

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