Keeping Your Data Safe: How Indonesia is Protecting Data in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, protecting sensitive data is more important than ever. With more citizens and businesses moving online and the government increasingly digitalizing its services, the volume of personal data being collected, stored, and processed is growing. However, this shift comes with heightened risks, including data breaches and cyberattacks. How is Indonesia handling these challenges, and what needs to be done to improve data protection and build a safer digital environment for everyone?

Indonesia is rapidly advancing toward digitalization, with more people accessing everything from e-commerce platforms to e-government services. As more data flows through these systems, the risk of breaches has grown significantly. According to the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo), there were 124 reported cases of suspected personal data protection violations between 2019 and May 14, 2024. Of these, 111 cases were classified as personal data breaches, indicating a persistent issue with data security across various sectors in Indonesia.

In response to this growing issue, the government enacted UU No. 27 Tahun 2022, a law dedicated to personal data protection. This law aims to give individuals more control over their personal information while holding organizations accountable for breaches. Despite this important step, challenges remain in fully implementing the law and ensuring that it is enforced effectively.

One major issue is the absence of an independent enforcement authority. While the law marks significant progress, the lack of a centralized body to oversee its enforcement hampers the government’s ability to ensure compliance. Without this dedicated authority, holding organizations accountable for breaches becomes more difficult, and response times for addressing data incidents remain slow and inefficient.

Compounding this is the rising threat of cyberattacks. In 2023 alone, the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) reported 103 data breaches within the public sector. These breaches exposed vulnerabilities in critical systems, compromising sensitive information such as personal identification records, financial data, and government documents. This escalation in cyberattacks highlights Indonesia’s vulnerabilities in the digital age, with hackers increasingly targeting government systems.

In addition to external threats, human error remains a leading cause of data breaches. Simple mistakes, such as clicking on phishing links, visiting unsecured websites, or using virus-infected USB drives, can leave systems exposed to unauthorized access. The Directorate General of Applications and Informatics (Ditjen Aptika) reported that 34% of data breaches in Indonesia are caused by human error, underscoring the significant impact of human actions on data security vulnerabilities.

Another critical issue is the low public awareness of data protection. Many Indonesians are unaware of their rights under the new law or how their personal data is used. A 2022 report from the Digital Literacy Index revealed that Indonesia performed poorly in digital safety metrics, leaving individuals more vulnerable to identity theft and other forms of data misuse.

Lastly, the lack of integration across government systems poses a serious challenge. With more than 27,400 digital applications in use across various government agencies, many platforms are disconnected. This fragmentation not only increases the risk of data mishandling but also makes it difficult to maintain consistent security measures across all systems. The inability to share and secure data efficiently across government platforms leaves personal data at greater risk of loss or misuse.

How can Indonesia improve its data protection? There are several key steps that need to be taken to create a safer digital environment.

First and foremost, the government needs to fully enforce the Personal Data Protection Law (UU No. 27/2022) by October 2024. This law provides a solid framework for safeguarding personal data, but it will only be effective if it is rigorously enforced. An independent data protection authority must immediately be established to oversee compliance, handle data breach cases, and impose penalties on organizations that fail to follow the law.

Beyond legal enforcement, Indonesia needs to significantly improve its cybersecurity infrastructure. Agencies like BSSN must prioritize securing digital networks and systems, especially those handling sensitive government data. Regular audits and the use of encryption technologies will help protect against cyberattacks and ensure that personal data is safe from hackers.

Training government employees in secure data handling practices is another vital component. With human error accounting for a large percentage of data breaches, it is imperative for all employees managing sensitive information to receive regular and comprehensive training. Clear data protection protocols and frequent education sessions will help minimize the risk of accidental breaches and ensure that data is managed responsibly.

Public awareness also plays a key role in strengthening data security. The government should launch educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness about data privacy, helping citizens better understand how to protect their personal information. Initiatives like workshops, public service announcements, and school programs can significantly improve digital literacy, helping citizens take more control over their personal information and minimize the risk of data misuse.

Finally, the government should accelerate its efforts to integrate data systems across all agencies. Full support on the “Satu Data Indonesia” initiative, which aims to centralize and streamline government data, is crucial toward reducing data fragmentation. By connecting different systems and ensuring that data is managed and shared efficiently, the government can significantly improve data security and reduce the risks of breaches.

Indonesia has made progress and notable commitments in its journey toward better data protection, but there’s still a lot to be done. For the law to be truly effective, strict enforcement and the creation of an independent authority are essential. Coupled with enhanced cybersecurity measures and comprehensive training for government employees, these steps will help mitigate the risks of data breaches and cyberattacks.

As Indonesia continues its digital transformation, protecting personal data will become increasingly vital. By strengthening public awareness through educational campaigns and integrating data systems via initiatives like Satu Data Indonesia, the government can create a safer digital environment for everyone. In a world where data is everywhere, keeping it safe is essential to building trust and ensuring that Indonesia’s digital economy can grow without putting people’s privacy at risk.

This article is shorter and partial version of IBC’s “15 Rekomendasi Paket Kebijakan untuk Mendukung Agenda Pembangunan Presiden dan Wakil Presiden Indonesia 2024 – 2029”