When a video of sepasang ABG goes viral, the teenagers rarely face danger from each other. Instead, they face vigilante adults who repost the video (a violation of the ITE Law themselves) while demanding the teenagers be jailed for "pornography." Article 27 of the ITE Law has been used to prosecute teenagers for smiling suggestively or wearing shorts on a beach.
Traditional Indonesian culture heavily prioritizes adat (customary law) and communal harmony. A teenager's behavior is viewed as a direct reflection of their family’s honor ( menjaga nama baik keluarga ). Conversely, digital spaces expose Indonesian youth to globalized, individualistic values, creating a dual identity that is difficult to navigate.
Erroneously equating information with permission, institutional curricula favor abstinence-only messaging. This leaves teenagers to rely on pornography or peer misinformation for guidance.