IDIndonesia's Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti announced new restrictions on the use of electronic devices in schools, aiming to reduce classroom distractions and improve students' concentration and learning outcomes. The policy, outlined in Circular Letter Number 18 of 2026, emphasizes limiting inappropriate gadget use to protect students' physical and mental health, encourage face-to-face interactions, and cultivate a responsible digital culture. The minister highlighted concerns over high internet usage in Indonesia, noting that citizens spend an average of seven hours and 32 minutes online daily. The policy encourages collaboration between schools, families, and digital service providers to ensure effective implementation. It allows schools flexibility in adapting gadget restrictions based on their specific needs while maintaining regulated access to technology for educational purposes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the policy as a balanced initiative aimed at addressing multiple concerns—academic performance, social interaction, and digital responsibility—without overtly favoring any ideological stance. While the issue of gadget use in education is politically sensitive, the framing of the
