Jakarta, August 18, 2026 — The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty through the implementation of three priority national agendas: development of the National Data Center (PDN), combating online gambling and protecting children in the digital environment.
The initiative supports the theme of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, “A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia,” according to the ministry.
Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, Ministry Secretary-General Ismail said national sovereignty in the digital era increasingly depends on a country’s ability to control, secure and develop its digital ecosystem beyond traditional physical borders.
He said digital sovereignty encompasses national capacity to manage infrastructure, protect data, advance technology, safeguard the information space and ensure that communities benefit from digital transformation.
Regarding the National Data Center, the ministry is strengthening cooperation among government institutions to maximize the facility’s use and promote data integration, with the objective of expanding access to efficient digital public services.
The ministry cited the digitization of social protection programmes (Perlinsos) as an example of successful data integration, facilitated through the Government Service Bus (SPLP).
In efforts to combat online gambling, the ministry continues to dismantle digital platforms and content associated with gambling activities. Approximately 3.7 million online gambling websites and content items were removed between October 20, 2024, and July 12, 2026.
The authorities have also closed around 32,500 bank accounts linked to online gambling activities as part of efforts to disrupt the financial networks supporting the illegal industry.
Child protection represents the third priority. The ministry is enforcing Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection (PP Tunas), which seeks to establish a safe, secure and healthy digital environment for children.
As of July 2026, digital platforms operating in Indonesia had deactivated approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors in compliance with the regulation. More than 204 digital platforms had also submitted self-assessment risk profiles to the government.
Ismail said the three priority agendas form part of the ministry’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which is based on three pillars: “Connected, Growing, and Protected.”
He emphasized that these pillars represent Indonesia’s commitment to achieving digital independence while supporting the broader national vision of a sovereign, just and prosperous country.
