Jakarta — The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has asked the public not to misunderstand the issue of transferring Indonesian citizens’ digital data to the United States (US).
Responding to recent public concerns, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, emphasized that any data exchange process abroad remains subject to Indonesian legal provisions, particularly the Personal Data Protection Law (PDP Law).
“We still have protocols in place, as stipulated in the Personal Data Protection Law (PDP), which was passed here (in Indonesia). Don’t misunderstand, this doesn’t mean Indonesia can freely transfer all personal data to the US,” said Nezar Patria.
This issue arose following an official statement from the US White House on July 22, 2025, regarding the Removing Barriers for Digital Trade policy, which was claimed to be part of the agreement between Indonesia and the US within the framework of the Joint Statement on Framework for the United States-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. However, the Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs emphasized that the agreement was still under discussion and had not yet reached the final stage.
“What was announced yesterday is not final, so there are still technical matters being discussed by the US and Indonesian governments. (The discussion) is being led by another negotiating team, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs,” he explained.
Furthermore, Nezar reminded that there is no policy that allows free access to Indonesian citizens’ personal data, even in the context of digital trade cooperation. All procedures remain in accordance with Indonesia’s strict data protection governance system.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mukhamad Misbakhun, stated that cross-border data exchange is a normal part of international trade cooperation, as long as it is carried out selectively and in accordance with the law.
“Regarding data exchange with the US as part of Indonesia’s trade cooperation with the US, I think it’s a reasonable thing to do, as long as it’s used selectively for trade purposes,” Misbakhun emphasized.
He believes the government fully understands the boundaries that must be maintained in managing Indonesian citizens’ digital data.
“I’m sure the government, in this case the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, already knows the boundaries that should be maintained and protected regarding data held by Indonesian citizens related to data exchange according to the Personal Data Protection Law,” he said.
According to Misbakhun, transparency in data exchange is crucial for creating credibility in the global trading system.
“In the international trade system for goods and services, it is natural to establish transparency between the parties involved in a transaction to build mutual trust in the business aspects of payment transactions,” he added.
