Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs Strives to Enhance Data Security Governance

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) is executing three steps to improve data security governance as part of efforts to build digital resilience. As quoted in a press statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday, Kemkomdigi’s Secretary General Ismail emphasised the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing cyber threats and the misuse of personal data. To enhance data security, he explained that first, the government is formulating supportive policies and regulations, encompassing laws, government regulations, presidential regulations, and ministerial regulations. Second, the government is acting as an orchestrator, coordinating various activities related to data utilisation and security, as well as developing the national digital ecosystem involving multiple stakeholders. Third, the government is investing in strategic sectors that cannot be fully handled by business actors, such as enhancing digital talent, strengthening digital infrastructure, and improving connectivity in remote areas. “The cost of maintaining security may seem very high. However, when a security breach occurs in a company, the impact can undermine the foundations that have been built over a long time. Reputation is at stake, and this is not something to be taken lightly,” said Ismail at the R17 Podcast Show (RPS) Vol. 04 themed “Shaping Secure Data Intelligence for Digital Resilience” on Thursday (23/4). Southeast Asia is cited as one of the hubs for organised digital-based criminal activities. Europol reports indicate that cybercrime actors have evolved into large-scale data brokers that exploit and monetise personal data across various criminal chains. Deputy for Cyber Security Operations and Cryptography at the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), Bondan Widiawan, highlighted the importance of building early warning systems and strengthening an integrated threat intelligence ecosystem between the government and the private sector to counter cyber threats. An AI-based security approach is seen as capable of improving detection accuracy, accelerating responses, and enhancing protection without hindering business operations. Cyble’s Country Manager Rangga stated that the increasing digital footprint enlarges risks to data assets, especially with the proliferation of activities on forums and dark web marketplaces. The use of dark web monitoring technology is considered vital to improve visibility and the speed of threat detection. R17 Group’s CEO Hengky Witarsa conveyed that collaboration between regulators and industry players is crucial in efforts to build national digital resilience. “Digital resilience can only be realised through real collaboration between regulators and industry. We encourage a secure-by-design approach so that business innovation can proceed alongside data protection,” he said.