Hafid said the move was under review after authorities identified cases of children becoming victims of scams through online shopping platforms. She did not provide details on how such a ban would be implemented or enforced.

The proposal follows a sweeping regulation introduced in March prohibiting under-16s from accessing social media platforms, part of a broader initiative to shield young users from risks including cyberbullying, online exploitation, and internet addiction.

Indonesia’s earlier restrictions initially targeted eight platforms deemed “high risk,” including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, with plans to extend coverage to all digital platforms over time.

The government’s actions come amid growing global scrutiny of online safety for minors. Officials have cited concerns over exposure to harmful content and fraudulent activity as key drivers of policy expansion into e-commerce.

Indonesia is among the largest digital markets in Southeast Asia, with tens of millions of young internet users, making enforcement and compliance key considerations as authorities weigh broader platform restrictions.

Li, a former chairman of the board at Huione Pay, is accused of being a core member of a criminal syndicate linked to Chinese-Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Chen was extradited to China in January and is currently in detention, authorities said.The case is part of a broader international crackdown on transnational fraud networks operating across Southeast Asia.

The United States said last October that it and the United Kingdom had taken action against Chen’s Prince Group, describing it as a criminal enterprise involved in online investment scams. U.S. authorities also accused the Huione Group of laundering proceeds from such schemes, as well as cyber heists linked to North Korea.

According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the Huione Group allegedly laundered at least $4 billion in illicit proceeds between August 2021 and January 2025.

Reuters could not seek comment from Huione, which has since been dissolved. A U.S.-based representative for Prince Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours.

Cambodian government spokesperson Touch Sokhak said China had sent experts to assist local authorities in the investigation, which ultimately led to Li’s arrest and extradition.

“This shows Cambodia’s will to clear out online scams and that Cambodia is not a safe haven for scam criminals,” Sokhak said.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing would continue to work with Cambodia to combat cross-border telecommunications fraud, highlighting deepening cooperation between the two countries in tackling organised financial crime.