- 14/03/2018
- Categories: Commentaries, Press Release
Jakarta 13 March 2018 – In today’s digital era, the need for efficient and transparent governance becomes increasingly essential. The existence of digital technology and internet can be the incentive to implement electronic governance system (e-government) in Indonesia further.
Working together with Ministry of Communication and Informatics Republic of Indonesia and Microsoft Indonesia, Center for Digital Society held a workshop titled “Data and Cyber Security in Electronic-based Government (Sistem Pemerintahan Berbasis Elektronik or SPBE)” at Crowne Plaza, Central Jakarta (13/3).
The workshop began with an opening mark by Reza Topobroto as Head of Legal Affairs Microsoft Indonesia. In his speech, Reza warned the threats of cyber security which continues to develop all over the world.
“When we discuss data, we realize that data has values. There are good intentions or bad intentions. We see the bad ones as cybersecurity. The trends of cybersecurity continue to rise as the number of internet users increases. When there is human activity, there will be criminal activity happening.”
After that, Firmansyah Lubis, Director of e-government, Ministry of Communication and Informatics Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkominfo) stated Indonesian Government’s plan regarding the development of the smart city.
“Our government plans to make 100 smart cities. Since last year, there are already 25 smart cities, and now we are looking to develop 75 other smart cities. The outputs are master plans and blueprints. We hired 40 experts placed in selected cities to help us developing smart city master plan. We are not acting as consultants but as leaders. We lead those cities to develop smart city master plan.”
Overall, the workshop discussed two trending issues. In the first session, speaker delivered a presentation on the Big Data technology and its role in the context of the electronic-based governance system. Big data is often used by businesses to present more efficient and targeted business strategy.
“In Indonesia, telecommunication companies are the institutions that can start data mining and use those big data for their interests. Kemendagri (Ministry of Home Affairs) did it in e-KTP (electronic ID) project, and banking through customer data and credit cards. The government should be able to make big innovation with big data because they already have a huge amount of data nationwide,” said Rudi Rusdiah, the representative from Indonesia’s Big Data Association. (Asosiasi Big Data Indonesia)
In the second part of the workshop, the speakers then discussed cyber security in the era of e-government. With the increasing digital technology and internet penetration in Indonesia, the incoming threats also continue to rise. As stated by Ardi Suteja, the leader of Indonesia Cyber Security Forum (ICSF), the development of cybersecurity in Indonesia is somewhat influenced by the culture and literacy of Indonesians who have not been sufficiently vigilant in the face of digital disruption.
“Our entry point to the internet is using our own identity, but we did not fully comprehend the concept of privacy protection. We often flaunt our private identity through social media. The leaks do not always come from the government, but often from us because of our ignorance regarding data protection,” said Ardi.
Similar with Ardi, the vice head of Security Operational division for ID-SIRTII/CC Muhammad Salahudden also emphasized on how weak the regulation for data protection in Indonesia.
“Our weakness comes from two issues. One, the lack of regulations that are regularly updated, raising questions regarding the competence of our regulations. Two, the culture in the implementing security measures. The lack of regulations caused this,” stated Muhammad.
Even though Indonesia is still behind concerning data protection and cybersecurity, many critics will not bring real solutions to the problem. The speakers suggest the government and all citizens to start making practical strategic steps to prepare adequate infrastructure and increasing user capability in facing the digital disruption era.
“Our task right now is to figure out how to solve our shortcomings. Then, discipline is needed to ensure that all regulations can be implemented effectively, start with self-discipline. We cannot always wait, we need to move fast,” said Ardi.
Mary Jo Schrade further added the importance of awareness and willingness of all parties to contribute in the effort to minimize cybersecurity incidents.
“Increasing cyber resilience is the right step to build capability in facing cybersecurity. Both private institutions and public must work together to counter cybersecurity.”
At the last session, Tony Seno Hartono, cybersecurity and cloud computing technology activist in Indonesia, delivered the closing presentation. This workshop was attended by 55 people who were representatives from Ministries and Non-Ministry Government Institutions (Lembaga Pemerintah Nonkementerian or LPNK), NGOs and the general public. Such workshops are considered strategic and effective means to educate and to find solutions regarding current strategic issues such as cybersecurity. This event is expected to improve the understanding of e-government implementation and also the widespread public awareness and government apparatus to the chronic problem of cybersecurity in Indonesia.
