In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid has underlined the strategic importance of cybersecurity as a core element of Indonesia’s national defence. Speaking at the National Resilience Institute in Jakarta, the Minister stressed the need for robust cross-sectoral collaboration to safeguard the country’s digital frontiers.
“Cyberspace is the heart of the nation’s new defence. Protecting it means safeguarding Indonesia’s future,” Minister Hafid stated, addressing participants of the leadership program.
Her remarks highlight growing fears that digital threats, especially misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, can erode national security and social unity. She clarified: misinformation is unintentional error, disinformation is deliberate falsehood and malinformation is truth used to cause harm.
“Hoaxes are not just disruptions to information but can undermine ideology and politics and erode social cohesion,” she warned.
The Minister highlighted the increasingly serious nature of cyberattacks and data breaches that jeopardise both the public and private sectors. Citing the 2023 cyberattack on Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), Minister Hafid noted how 15 million customers were affected when the LockBit 3.0 hacker group targeted the bank’s systems, demanding a ransom of US$20 million. “This example shows how cyberthreats can disrupt vital services and compromise public trust,” she said.
She expressed particular concern over the vulnerability of Indonesia’s strategic infrastructure, including its military and government institutions, to cyber threats. “We must understand that digital security is not optional. It is a fundamental pillar of our national defence,” she stressed.
To counter these threats, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has enacted several legislative and regulatory initiatives to fortify the nation’s cyber defences. Among them is Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025, also known as PP Tunas, which governs the implementation of electronic systems with a specific focus on protecting children in the digital environment.
The government has also enacted Law Number 1 of 2024, which amends the original 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions Law to reflect contemporary cyber realities. Additionally, Presidential Regulation Number 47 of 2023 outlines the National Cybersecurity Strategy, setting a comprehensive framework for digital risk mitigation.
As OpenGov Asia reported, Indonesia is also placing a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety of children in the digital world. Recognising the growing risks posed by harmful online content and cyber threats, the government is advancing policies and regulations that shield young users while promoting responsible digital engagement.
One of the most significant moves in this direction is the ratification of the Government Regulation on the Governance of the Implementation of Electronic Systems in Child Protection. Signed by President Prabowo Subianto, the regulation limits harmful content and social media use, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to a safe and healthy digital environment for its youth.
The regulation, developed through extensive consultations led by Minister Hafid, mandates stricter age verification, content filtering and digital literacy programmes. It encourages collaborative action among ministries, schools, digital platforms and families to safeguard children online and prepare them to navigate digital spaces responsibly.
In her address, Minister Hafid emphasised that, beyond legal instruments, public education and digital literacy are equally vital in cultivating a secure digital environment. She called on all arms of government to take an active role in promoting digital awareness and resilience among citizens.
“The public needs to understand that the internet can be beneficial but also harmful. This is where consistent counselling is important,” she noted.
She concluded her address with a broader appeal to national solidarity in the face of digital threats. “Let us protect Indonesia, not only its land, sea and air, but also its cyberspace,” she said, reinforcing the message that national security in the 21st century must encompass both physical and virtual realms.
