BSSN Traces History of Cryptography to Rumah Sandi Dukuh Site in DIY
Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) held a historical tracing event following the footsteps of cryptography’s history to the Rumah Sandi Dukuh site in Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Tuesday, as part of the agency’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
BSSN Head Nugroho Sulistyo Budi led the opening ceremony at Dekso Field, followed by the tracing event with trainees from the National Cyber and Crypto Polytechnic, representatives from the DIY Communication and Informatics Forum, local government officials, and journalists heading to the Rumah Sandi Dukuh site.
“It is hoped that the participants can appreciate and internalise the spirit, dedication, struggle, and sacrifices of the cryptography predecessors in this country,” Nugroho said to the participants.
Nugroho explained that the early pioneers had to walk across rivers and even carry bicycles on their shoulders, facing various physical risks and even to their lives, to secure the nation’s secret messages.
What has never changed and serves as guidance today is that spirit of dedication and willingness to sacrifice.
According to him, current challenges have transformed into various cyber platforms, electromagnetic frequencies, and technological algorithms to ensure information security from enemy threats.
Head of the Sandi Museum Setyo Budi Prabowo added the crucial role of radio communication technology and cryptography during the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) era in 1948.
“At that time, Dutch intelligence units always monitored Republican communications, so they needed to be secured with cryptography to maintain good relations with foreign countries,” Setyo said.
He stated that Rumah Sandi Dukuh serves as historical evidence of a place where secret communications were encrypted before being broadcast via radio to penetrate the Dutch information blockade.
The robust encryption system inherited from Dr. Roebiono Kertopati ensured smooth diplomatic relations with New Delhi and Singapore without being intercepted by the enemy.
“We need to emulate the patriotism, integrity, and responsibility of our predecessors because the early cryptography fighters worked without expecting rewards or compensation,” Setyo added.
During the event, participants traced the hilly routes and crossed rivers that were once used by couriers to distribute secret messages, reflecting on the hardships of maintaining information security.
“This is the first time I have joined the tracing event. We now understand how the predecessors struggled back then. Now some of the paths are good; back then, it must have been difficult with no lighting,” said Head of the Cryptography Section of Kominfo Sleman, Neti Kusumawati.
The Rumah Sandi site is located in Dukuh Hamlet, Purwoharjo Village, Samigaluh Subdistrict, Kulon Progo Regency. Its hidden location in the Menoreh hills served as a secret communication centre between the Indonesian Government and the international world during the independence war.
The traditional Javanese limasan-style house owned by a resident named Merto Setomo still maintains the authenticity of its bamboo-woven wall structure.
Inside, there are collections of artefacts such as replicas of manual encryption writing tools, secret code books, and message storage media once used by couriers.