Netflix and ICT Watch Join Forces: A New Era of Safe, Family-Friendly Streaming in Indonesia

In an era where digital screens are practically permanent fixtures in our living rooms, the conversation around what our children consume has never been more critical. On August 5, 2025, Netflix and ICT Watch took a major step forward by launching a strategic partnership. This collaboration, celebrated during the 'Building Indonesia's Digital Family in the Streaming Era' event, brought together government officials, parenting experts, and creative visionaries to address a singular, vital goal: making the internet a safer, more enriching space for Indonesian families.

A Commitment Beyond Entertainment

This partnership marks a milestone as the first official collaboration between Netflix and ICT Watch. It serves as a powerful reinforcement of Netflix’s dedication to the Indonesian market—specifically to the families who make up a significant portion of its audience. Interestingly, Kids & Family content accounts for roughly 15% of all viewing on the platform.

Ruben Hattari, Director of Global Affairs for Netflix Southeast Asia, emphasized that entertainment is only one half of the equation. Since its arrival in Indonesia, Netflix has focused on two fronts: bringing local stories to the global stage and ensuring those stories are accessible in a secure environment. With over 450 Indonesian titles now on the platform, the goal is to provide a space that is as safe as it is entertaining. Hattari noted that ICT Watch’s mission aligns perfectly with Netflix’s objective to be a trusted partner for parents across the archipelago.

The Government’s Vision for Digital Resilience

The event, timed to coincide with National Children's Day and Indonesia’s Independence Day, featured a heavy-hitting lineup of speakers. Fifi Aleyda Yahya, Director General of Public Communication and Media at the Ministry of Communication and Digital, praised the initiative. She pointed out that platforms like Netflix act as gateways to learning and cultural exploration. However, she was clear about one thing: building a resilient digital family isn't a job for the government alone. It requires a 'multi-stakeholder' approach where tech giants, NGOs, and the state work in tandem to protect the next generation.

Redefining the Indonesian Family Viewing Experience

How we watch TV has changed, and so has the content itself. Ario Pratomo, co-founder of Parentalk ID, spoke about the shift in family habits. He acknowledged that while 'screen time' is often a source of anxiety for parents, it also presents an opportunity. The challenge isn't just about limiting time, but finding content that parents and children can actually enjoy together.

Catur Ratna Wulandari, Editor-in-Chief of Digital Mama ID & Screen Score, shared insights into how digital literacy for mothers is changing the game. By providing a space for parents to review apps, games, and films, they are creating a community-driven safety net. This allows families with different values to make informed decisions without having to pre-watch every single minute of content themselves.

The Creative Side: Investing in the Future

Representing the creative industry, Angga Dwimas Sasongko, CEO of Visinema, spoke passionately about the importance of 'Evergreen IP.' Following the massive success of Keluarga Cemara and the film Jumbo, Visinema has dedicated an entire division to kids and family content.

Angga believes that creating quality content for children is like investing in the future of the industry. If we can foster digital literacy and a taste for high-quality storytelling in children today, we will have a more sophisticated audience tomorrow. He noted that the biggest challenge for creators is shedding their adult egos to speak the 'language' of children, addressing universal themes like friendship, persistence, and even loss in a way that resonates with young minds.

Empowering Parents with Robust Control Tools

While content is king, control is the kingdom's gatekeeper. Ruben Hattari highlighted that Netflix provides a suite of tools designed to give parents peace of mind, acknowledging that every family has different boundaries. He famously quoted, "the biggest present for your kids is your presence," suggesting that these tools work best when paired with active parental involvement and shared viewing experiences.

Netflix’s parental control ecosystem includes several key features:

Specialized Kids Profiles

Parents can create a dedicated 'Netflix Kids' profile. This environment is strictly curated to show only age-appropriate movies and TV shows. Crucially, these profiles are locked out of account settings to prevent accidental changes.

Custom Maturity Ratings

As children grow, their needs change. Netflix allows parents to adjust maturity ratings for each individual profile. This ensures that a teenager sees different content than a toddler. Parents also have the power to block specific titles entirely if they don't align with their family values.

Profile Locks and Access Control

To prevent children from wandering into an adult’s profile, Netflix offers a 4-digit PIN lock. This simple but effective barrier ensures that the 'grown-up' side of the library remains private.

Viewing History Monitoring

Transparency is key to trust. Parents can access the viewing history of their child’s profile to see exactly what has been watched, allowing for open discussions about the themes and stories their children are exploring.

Bridging the Digital Gap

The event concluded with a focus on education. Indriyatno Banyumurti, Executive Director of ICT Watch, warned against the dangers of 'tech-phobia' among parents. When parents distance themselves from technology because they feel overwhelmed, a gap is created that can lead to negative impacts on children. His advice? Don't treat technology as an outsider—get closer to it, learn it, and use it as a tool for bonding.

Diena Haryana, founder of SEJIWA, echoed this sentiment, noting that streaming together is more than just a pastime; it’s a catalyst for important family conversations. With a library featuring global favorites like Ms. Rachel, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and the upcoming Sesame Street, the tools and content are there—it's now up to Indonesian families to use them to build a brighter, safer digital future.