Academics Urge Strengthening of an Integrated System to Counter Espionage and Digital Threats
Depok – Strengthening the national security system is seen as a crucial step for Indonesia in addressing espionage challenges and digital threats that are continually evolving in the modern era. Academics from Universitas Indonesia (UI) say Indonesia has a major opportunity to build an integrated system capable of protecting national interests while strengthening the country’s position on the global stage.
Edy Prasetyono, a lecturer in International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP UI) and an analyst for Lemhannas, said espionage has been known since ancient times and continues to evolve in step with changing eras and technological advances.
“Espionage has existed for a long time and is real in daily life. Across different eras, its forms and methods have always developed to meet the needs and conditions of the times,” Edy said in a written statement on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
He stated that the development of digital technology today requires every country to be better prepared to safeguard strategic information, critical infrastructure, and national interests. Therefore, Indonesia needs to strengthen its information protection system through integrated policymaking and clear regulations.
Edy assessed that the move to draft anti-espionage regulations is indeed an important part of strengthening democracy and the professional governance of national security.
Clear regulations will provide assurances about authorities, operating mechanisms, and the limits in addressing modern security threats.
“With clear regulations, the state has a strong guiding framework to protect national interests while upholding democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of establishing a broad framework through the National Security Law that can serve as an umbrella for protecting state secrets, strategic information security, and the national anti-espionage system.
A similar view was expressed by Ali Wibisono, Head of the Postgraduate Programme in International Relations at FISIP UI. He noted that Indonesia has a strategic regional position, thus requiring a stronger and more adaptive information security system.
According to Ali, the development of digital threats must be addressed by strengthening inter-agency coordination so that protection of data and strategic information can operate more effectively and efficiently. With an integrated system, various institutions can move in harmony to safeguard national security.
Ali also assessed that adaptive regulations will support the climate of international cooperation, particularly in technology, research, and the exchange of strategic information. Legal certainty is seen as capable of enhancing global trust in Indonesia’s information protection system.