Indonesia Sets To Ban Use Of Social Media For Under 16s

Indonesia sets to ban use of social media for under 16s
According to Ms Hafid, this will take effect from March 28.

The government of Indonesia has announced plans to ban children under 16 from owning accounts on several social media platforms, citing concerns about the risks they pose to children.

The announcement was made on Friday by Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Meutya Viada Hafid, in a post shared on her Instagram page.

According to Ministerial Regulation Number 9 of 2026, issued under the PP TUNAS, an Indonesian government framework aimed at protecting children in the digital space and regulating how online platforms operate, children below 16 will no longer be allowed to create accounts on “high-risk digital platforms.”

According to Ms Hafid, the law will take effect from March 28 and will be implemented in phases across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.

She said the decision was prompted by increasing threats facing children online, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud and digital addiction, and noted that the policy is an “important step for the future of children.”

While acknowledging that the new rule might cause discomfort initially, Ms Hafid said the government could not remain silent while watching children face the risks of being online.

“We understand this step may cause concern at the beginning. But the government cannot stay silent when children’s future is at stake,” she said.

Indonesia Sets To Ban Use Of Social Media For Under 16s

Ms Hafid added that responsibility for protecting children online would not only rely on parents but also on digital platforms.

“Technology should humanise people, not sacrifice our children’s childhoods,” she said.

In a separate post, Ms Hafid mentioned that she had a discussion with Australia’s Communication Minister, Anika Wells, to cooperate and work with other countries to ensure online child safety.

This comes after Australia, in December 2025, banned children under 16 from having social media accounts and placed fines on platforms that fail to enforce the restrictions.

NAF Strengthens Helicopter Maintenance Capacity Through A109 Trekker Type Training In Italy

NAF strengthens helicopter maintenance capacity through A109 Trekker type training in Italy. In line with its commitment to strengthening technical expertise and sustaining operational readiness, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) trained four of its personnel on the Airframe Maintenance Type Training Course for the A109 Trekker Helicopter at the Leonardo Helicopter Division Facility in Sesto Calende, Italy, from 12 January to 20 February 2026.

The comprehensive training programme featured rigorous theoretical and practical phases, during which participants were instructed on the identification of AW109S Trekker helicopter systems and subsystems, their modes of operation, as well as critical procedures for effective maintenance and troubleshooting required to keep the aircraft in an airworthy condition. The course also emphasised the proper interpretation and application of maintenance manuals, which are essential for ensuring safe, efficient and standardised maintenance practices.

This initiative aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which places strong emphasis on deliberate capacity development, technical excellence and continuous professional advancement of personnel to enhance mission effectiveness.

NAF

By investing in specialised training with original equipment manufacturers and globally recognised aviation institutions, the NAF continues to build a highly skilled workforce capable of sustaining its modern fleet and supporting ongoing air operations.

At the conclusion of the programme, the participating personnel were awarded certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the course.

NAF Deepens Munitions Safety Capacity In Turkiye Through Strategic Global Training Engagement

NAF deepens munitions safety capacity in Turkiye through strategic global training engagement. In line with its sustained commitment to capacity development and operational excellence, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its technical and safety competencies through active participation in the Munitions Management and Safety Course held from 23–27 February 2026 at the Turkish Partnership for Peace Training Centre in Ankara, Türkiye.

Three NAF officers were among 25 participants drawn from 14 countries, reflecting the Service’s deliberate investment in international professional military education and exposure to global best practices. The course provided a robust platform for cross-national collaboration and knowledge exchange in contemporary munitions management standards.

Participants received intensive training on United Nations and NATO doctrines, terminologies, and guidelines governing munitions management and safety. Through structured syndicate work and group discussions, officers exchanged insights on national procedures and safety frameworks, fostering interoperability awareness and enhancing professional competence.

The course also introduced emerging trends and technologies shaping modern munitions safety architecture, broadening participants’ technical perspectives in line with evolving global standards.

NAF Deepens Munitions Safety Capacity In Turkiye

This strategic engagement aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which prioritizes deliberate training, international collaboration, and continuous professional development as pillars of operational effectiveness.

By equipping its officers with globally benchmarked knowledge and fostering enduring partnerships, the NAF continues to reinforce its commitment to safety, professionalism, and mission readiness.