- 23/11/2017
- Categories: Commentaries, Press Release
Yogyakarta, 23 November 2017 – Center for Digital Society FISIPOL UGM is involved in a discussion organized by the Agency of Policy Review and Policy Development Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Republic of Indonesia entitled “Indonesia Cyber-Diplomacy: Now and Later.” This discussion specifically disseminates the research results of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on cyber diplomacy, especially the international role of Indonesia in the constellation of resolution of cyber issues at the global level. Center for Digital Society was represented by its researchers. Muhammad Rum, discussed the character of the Indonesian digital community and its contribution to the implementation of diplomacy. Several other speakers who also participated in the session included Ms. Mariam F. Barata, Secretary of Directorate General of Informatics Applications, Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Dr. Andi Widjajanto, International Political and Security Expert and Lecturer of International Relations Department of FISIP University of Indonesia, and Mr. Antonius Sasongko, Initiator of Cyber Jogja Village.
The discussion began with the exposure of studies conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on cyber diplomacy, especially the role of Indonesia. The issue of cuber security has indeed started to be one of the most threatening issues in this digital era, but event at the global level, efforts to tackle this problem are still experiencing various obstacles. Indonesia, as one of the countrues with the lardest number of internet users in the world, has particular oppotunities and challenges in actively participating in international forums dealing with the handling of international cyber issues. Indonesia is a country with the highest risk of cyber attacks in the world, and at the same time, it is also one of the countries that supply the biggest cyber attacks and the largest in the world.
Indonesia also needs to define its position, especially Indonesia’s national interest in countering cyber threats at the global level. If there is a clear definition of the interests and position of Indonesia, then we can identify what strategies can be taken by Indonesia, what the international role that can be done. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considering Indonesia’s potential and opportunities in the siber issue, proposes the adoption of a caddy diplomacy model based on “collaboration-oriented,” meaning that the role of all stakeholders is central, including government, private parties, academic institutions, and civil society.
One of the things that need to be immediately considered in Indonesia is the establishment of a legal framework that specifically regulates cyber innovation in Indonesia, to cope with cyber threats in Indonesia. “It is hoped that soon there will be a more integrative and comprehensive cyber security system, given that Indonesia still lacks a specific legal and policy framework on cybersecurity.” Andi Widjajanto.
