Shouldn't We First Look Inward Before Seeking External Help for Indonesia's IT Security?

I just read that Indonesia Considers Assistance from 10 Countries to Overcome Cyberattack on National Data Center:

 

The head of Indonesia's Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), Hinsa Siburian, admitted that his office had difficulties in overcoming the cyberattack on the temporary national data center managed by the Ministry of Communications (Kominfo), which has been ongoing since June 20, 2024.

 

"It was difficult in the beginning because all the data was encrypted, so we faced difficulties in forensics. But fortunately, some data could be analyzed and the process is still ongoing," Hinsa said during a meeting with House Commission I and Kominfo in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, June 27.

 

In this case, the hackers demanded a ransom of US$8 million or Rp. 131 billion. But the BSSN said it could not yet catch the culprit because it had just discovered the clues and was still waiting for forensic results.

 

House of Representatives Commission I member TB Hasanuddin of the PDIP faction offered expert help in finding the hackers.

 

Hinsa revealed that 10 countries had offered cybersecurity partnerships. However, BSSN could not accept the offer immediately as they had to find out the forensic results first. If so, BSSN will coordinate forms of cooperation between these countries.

 

In response to the statement, Hasanuddin said that the partnership was only to help and strengthen the team of BSSN. He suspected that the perpetrator was only one person or a small group. TB Hasanuddin is confident that BSSN and the government can handle the situation (TEMPO.CO, Jakarta).

 

Shouldn't We First Look Inward Before Seeking External Help for Indonesia's IT Security?

 

Isn't it better to first assess and utilize our own resources before looking outside for assistance? Relying on foreign powers to ensure the security of Indonesian data might lead to an increased dependency on these external entities, potentially compromising our national sovereignty and control over sensitive information.

 

In a crisis situation, it is crucial to keep a cool head and not give in to panic. Indonesia boasts competent IT companies, such as PT SYDECO, which have a proven track record in the field. PT SYDECO is certainly not the only Indonesian company capable of addressing our IT security challenges. There are numerous local experts and firms with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle these issues effectively.

 

Furthermore, investing in our local IT industry can drive innovation, create jobs, and foster a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. This approach not only ensures self-reliance but also strengthens our national capabilities in the long run.

 

Before reaching out to other countries, we should evaluate and trust our local expertise to solve our IT security issues. By doing so, we can maintain our independence, build confidence in our domestic talent, and develop a sustainable solution to our cybersecurity needs.

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