Anti-Espionage Regulation Deemed Urgent, Here's Why

Academics believe Indonesia needs to strengthen anti-espionage regulations to protect national strategic interests amidst the growing threat of cyber attacks, data theft, and foreign intelligence operations. Strengthening regulation is considered important to clarify authority, reinforce security systems, and enhance national cyber resilience.

University of Indonesia intelligence observer Stanislaus Riyanta stated that Indonesia’s strategic position and its wealth of natural and human resources make it a potential target for foreign espionage activities. “Cyber attacks are merely a medium or tool. The main focus must be directed at the actors behind the attacks, including espionage activities and foreign intelligence operations,” Stanislaus said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Stanislaus, strengthening cyber resilience must begin with a risk assessment, followed by the development of adequate infrastructure, security systems, and regulations. “Indonesia requires regulations that govern security standards for the devices and systems used, including inspection mechanisms (security assessment or commissioning) to ensure there are no gaps or infiltrations that can be exploited for espionage activities,” he said.

He assessed that the government needs to establish a Cyber Resilience Law and a Counter-Espionage Law, or strengthen the counter-espionage function within Law Number 17 of 2011 on State Intelligence. “Cyber threats are no longer merely an information technology issue but have become a strategic threat to national security, so they must be viewed as a policy priority supported by adequate regulation, institutions, and budget,” he stressed.

Rector of the Christian University of Indonesia Angel Damayanti stated that Indonesia’s position in the global critical mineral supply chain must be balanced with the strengthening of national technological independence and security. According to her, dependence on foreign devices and systems potentially opens gaps for espionage activities. “Indonesia’s dependence on foreign cyber security devices, systems, and technology needs to be anticipated because there is a risk of backdoor insertion or gaps that can be exploited for espionage activities,” Angel said.

Angel added that regulations must also govern prevention, supervision, incident handling, and establish a single national command so that inter-agency coordination is more effective. “Regulations must govern prevention, incident handling, supervision, and establish a single national command so that inter-agency coordination runs effectively and there is no overlap of authority,” she said.

Meanwhile, University of Indonesia academic Ali Abdullah Wibisono assessed that regulation is necessary to clarify authority and accountability in facing the threat of foreign espionage. “Without regulation, the losses are multiplied,” Ali said. According to Ali, Law Number 17 of 2011 on State Intelligence does not yet regulate anti-espionage and the protection of strategic information in detail, so it needs to be strengthened in line with current security threat developments.