Jakarta, July 25 -- Indonesia's Health Ministry urged families to protect children's rights and mental health from digital addiction, warning that widespread internet use and online gaming pose growing risks to adolescents.

Imran Pambudi, the ministry's director of health services for vulnerable groups, said Saturday that the internet had become an inseparable part of daily life.

Indonesia had 221.56 million internet users in 2024, with penetration reaching 79.5 percent. About 28.2 percent of users actively played online games.

"These figures show enormous opportunities but also real risks, especially for adolescents, who are the most active in the digital world," Pambudi said.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable because they are ...