Minister of Digital Affairs says Personal Data Protection Law remains applicable to Indonesia-US data transfers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid has affirmed that the implementation of data transfers as stipulated in the reciprocal trade agreement (ART) between Indonesia and the United States remains subject to the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP).

“Yes, it means that the Personal Data Protection Law applies, so we will continue to protect the data of our citizens,” said Meutya when met in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Meutya explained that the Indonesia-US ART strengthens the data circulation practices that have been ongoing. According to her, cross-border data transfers are not a new phenomenon because they have been happening along with the use of various digital platforms from abroad, including the United States.

According to Meutya, the Indonesia-US ART provides a legal framework for data transfer practices that have been ongoing for a long time.

She affirmed that the government remains committed to protecting the data of Indonesian citizens. As a sovereign state, Indonesia remains committed to the UU PDP in protecting the data of its citizens.

“It remains the case that as a sovereign state, the Personal Data Protection Law is the key,” said the Minister of Digital Affairs.

The Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Haryo Limanseto, in an official statement on Sunday (February 22), affirmed that data transfers agreed upon in the Indonesia-US ART remain subject to domestic regulations, namely the Personal Data Protection Law.

The data referred to in the agreement is data required for business (application systems). Cross-border data transfers are a major infrastructure for e-commerce, digital financial services, cloud, and other digital services.

“There is no surrender of data sovereignty. The government ensures that the process of transferring data physically and digitally (cloud and cable transmission) is carried out within a secure and reliable data governance framework, without sacrificing the rights of citizens,” said Haryo.

The certainty of data transfer rules strengthens Indonesia’s position as a digital economic hub in the region. Global technology companies need regulations that can facilitate cross-border data processing with adequate data protection.

“With credible governance, Indonesia can attract investment in data centers, cloud infrastructure, and other digital services,” he said.