Cyber Threats Surge, Data Protection a Business Priority

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — Cyber threats are surging as businesses rapidly adopt artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital transformation across various sectors. This situation is driving companies to focus not only on innovation but also on strengthening governance, cybersecurity, and data protection. BDO Indonesia, a professional services firm specialising in auditing, tax, consulting, and business advisory, says organisations face increasingly complex challenges as technology risks, cybersecurity, and data protection become more interconnected. On the other hand, the implementation of the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) has reinforced that data protection is no longer just a compliance issue but also involves legal, financial, and reputational aspects for companies. In response, BDO Indonesia has bolstered its IT Advisory services with the appointment of Erikman Pardamean as IT Advisory Partner. Erikman is said to have experience in IT governance, risk and compliance (GRC), cybersecurity, privacy, and AI governance. He has also supported organisations across various sectors, including finance, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and digital industries. “Rapid AI adoption presents significant business opportunities but also brings new risks such as potential data misuse, algorithmic bias, and lack of transparency. This makes the need for robust governance and responsible oversight increasingly critical,” Erikman stated on Monday, 25 May 2026. He noted that the biggest challenge for organisations is not just technological complexity, but managing the interconnection between AI, cybersecurity, and data protection holistically. In many cases, he said, these three aspects are still managed separately, creating risk gaps that cyber attackers can exploit. According to Reza, comprehensive understanding from all stakeholders is needed to build strong synergy. “With integrated awareness, organisations can not only mitigate new AI-related risks such as potential data misuse and algorithmic bias, but also ensure regulatory compliance, protect business reputation, and ultimately build a sustainable digital trust foundation in the public eye,” Reza said. He added that such synergy is crucial for companies to keep pace with rapid technological and regulatory changes.