Depok – Strengthening Indonesia’s national security system is considered a crucial step in addressing the challenges of espionage and evolving digital threats in the modern era. Academics at the University of Indonesia (UI) emphasize that Indonesia has a significant opportunity to build an integrated system capable of protecting national interests while strengthening the nation’s global standing.
Lecturer of International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia (FISIP UI) and expert at Lemhannas, Edy Prasetyono, said that the practice of espionage has been known since ancient times and continues to develop in line with changing times and technological advances.
“Espionage has existed for a long time and is a real part of everyday life. Throughout various eras, its forms and methods have always evolved to reflect the needs and conditions of the times,” said Edy.
According to him, current digital technology developments require every country to be better prepared to safeguard strategic information, critical infrastructure, and national interests. Therefore, Indonesia needs to strengthen its information protection system through integrated policies and clear regulations.
Edy believes that developing anti-espionage regulations is a crucial part of strengthening democracy and professional national security governance. Clear regulations will provide certainty regarding authority, working mechanisms, and limitations in handling modern security threats.
“With clear regulations, the state has strong guidelines for protecting national interests while upholding the principles of democracy and legal certainty,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of establishing a broad framework through the National Security Law that can serve as an umbrella for the protection of state secrets, strategic information security, and a national anti-espionage system.
Ali Wibisono, Head of the Graduate Program in International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia (FISIP UI), expressed a similar view. He stated that Indonesia’s strategic position in the region necessitates a stronger and more adaptive information security system.
According to Ali, the development of digital threats must be addressed by strengthening inter-agency coordination to ensure more effective and efficient protection of strategic data and information. With an integrated system, various institutions can work in harmony to safeguard national security.
Ali also believes that adaptive regulations will support a climate of international cooperation, particularly in technology, research, and the exchange of strategic information. Legal certainty is considered capable of increasing global trust in Indonesia’s information protection system.
“Regulations are not meant to restrict, but rather to provide a shared foundation for optimal strategic information protection and the ability to keep pace with evolving threats,” he said.
The UI academics hope the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) will comprehensively review the development of national security regulations. This step is considered crucial for strengthening national resilience and ensuring Indonesia’s readiness to face security challenges in the digital era, moving toward the vision of a progressive Indonesia.*