By: Aditya Rahman )*
The development of information technology has brought significant benefits to national progress, but it has also presented a new threat in the form of modern espionage. Spying is no longer synonymous with covert operations during wartime, but rather involves data interception, technology theft, cyber infiltration, and the collection of strategic information through digital devices. Therefore, building national awareness of the threat of espionage is a crucial step in safeguarding national sovereignty and the sustainability of national development.
In the digital age, the threat of espionage can target anyone, from governments and educational institutions to industry players, and even the general public. Mobile phones, apps, social media, and the internet can be exploited to gather strategic information. This situation requires the public to understand that national security is not solely the responsibility of the state but also requires the vigilance of all citizens.
Edy Prasetyono, a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and an expert at the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas), believes that espionage practices have existed since ancient times and have continued to evolve with changing times. In the past, espionage activities were carried out through merchants, royal envoys, and even during the Majapahit era. According to him, the primary goal of espionage is to gain a strategic advantage for the survival of a nation.
The threat of modern espionage can harm a country in various ways, from the theft of strategic data and disruption of critical infrastructure to the leakage of technological and defense information. Another impact is the decline in the country’s international reputation, as other countries will hesitate to cooperate on sensitive information and technology if data protection systems are perceived as weak. In the long term, this situation can hamper national development and weaken Indonesia’s competitiveness.
Awareness of the threat of espionage is also crucial because many countries have specific regulations to protect their national security. The United States has the Espionage Act of 1917, which prohibits the disclosure of national defense information. China has strengthened oversight through its Anti-Espionage Law, which was updated in 2023 and supported by the National Intelligence Act. South Korea has also tightened anti-espionage regulations to prevent theft of industrial technology by foreign parties. Furthermore, several European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Austria, and Russia, have national security laws that address the threat of espionage.
The existence of these regulations demonstrates that the threat of espionage is a real issue in modern international relations. Indonesia also needs to increase its vigilance, particularly in safeguarding cyber sovereignty and protecting national strategic information. Public awareness of digital security must be strengthened to prevent easy targets for foreign infiltration.
Indonesia must not become a battlefield for espionage between countries, as such a situation could disrupt national stability and hinder development. Security instability will impact investment, infrastructure development, and even economic growth. Therefore, the government’s steps to strengthen cybersecurity and inter-agency coordination require full public support.
Ali Wibisono, Head of the Graduate Program in International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia, assessed that Indonesia has frequently been a target of foreign espionage. One case that has garnered public attention is the wiretapping of Indonesia’s sixth President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, by foreign parties. Furthermore, Indonesia’s strategic position in the South China Sea issue makes it crucial in global geopolitical affairs.
According to Ali Wibisono, research results and intellectual property rights belonging to universities in Indonesia are also potential targets for information theft. Yet, innovation and technology are crucial assets for national progress. He believes that currently, there is no international norm explicitly prohibiting espionage, so each country must have strong national regulations to protect its own interests.
Without clear regulations, counterespionage management has the potential to lead to overlapping authority and sectoral egos between agencies. This situation can also lead to budget wastage as various agencies perceive their own needs regarding information security. Furthermore, the lack of clarity in the information protection system could undermine the trust of other countries in strategic partnerships with Indonesia.
The Indonesian government is deemed necessary to strengthen legal instruments related to national security, protection of state secrets, and counterespionage. Clear regulations will provide certainty regarding the definition, limitations, responsibilities, and sanctions for espionage acts. Such regulations are also crucial to ensure that counterespionage efforts remain aligned with democratic principles and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Edy Prasetyono believes that anti-espionage regulations actually strengthen democracy by creating legal clarity and preventing abuse of power. He believes that without adequate regulations, the gray area will widen and potentially open up authoritarian practices. Therefore, Indonesia believes it is necessary to have a National Security Law, protection of state secrets, and anti-espionage regulations drafted through a democratic process with representatives.
Ultimately, the threat of modern espionage must be understood as a real challenge that requires comprehensive national preparedness. The government has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening national security and digital sovereignty amid increasingly complex global competition. The public also needs to take an active role by improving digital literacy, maintaining information security, and raising awareness of various forms of foreign infiltration.
With a strong collective awareness, Indonesia can maintain national stability and ensure development continues undisturbed by the threat of modern espionage.
)* The author is an observer of defense and security issues