Indonesia to set up independent personal data protection agency
In a statement confirmed on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria noted that the body is will operate independently of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.
“This personal data protection agency will operate independently across all its structures, but all of its reports will be submitted to the president through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs,” he said.
He added that the establishment of the personal data protection authority was discussed during the final stages of drafting the Presidential Regulation on Personal Data Protection, which is targeted for completion in about two months.
Additionally, the government is wrapping up the draft for the Presidential Regulation on the National AI Roadmap.
Both presidential regulations are being drafted as the foundation for various artificial intelligence governance in Indonesia.
“The foundation of AI governance rests on two main pillars: AI ethics and personal data protection,” Nezar said.
He emphasized that the government seeks AI regulations that can adapt to technological advances without hindering innovation.
Through the National AI Roadmap, the government aims to give technology developers ample room to innovate while offering clear direction for AI development in the country.
The deputy minister affirmed that Indonesia will adopt risk-based regulations in AI governance, under which AI systems will be classified based on the level of risk: low, moderate, or high.
“We are focusing on AI risk mitigation. High-risk AI products will naturally be regulated more comprehensively than low-risk ones,” he said.
“This way, innovation can continue to thrive without compromising safety, ethics, and public protection,” Nezar added.
In addition to preparing regulations, the Indonesian government is working to strengthen the national AI ecosystem by building digital infrastructure, developing data centers, expanding computing capacity, and upskilling digital talent.
“The combination of adaptive regulation, strong personal data protection, and support for innovation will be crucial to accelerating for Indonesia to speed up digital economic growth and boost global competitiveness,” he concluded.
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Translator: Farhan Arda, Raka Adji