Indonesia’s Cybercrime Laws Struggle to Keep Pace With Rising Digital Security Threats

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FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta - Indonesia’s legal framework for tackling cybercrime is struggling to keep up with rapidly evolving digital threats, according to a 2026 study by Fauziah Nauri Qisty, Bayu Setiawan, and Anang Puji Utama from the Faculty of National Security at Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia in Jakarta. Published in the Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, the study highlights gaps between existing regulations and real-world implementation, raising concerns about national security stability in the digital era.

The research matters because Indonesia is undergoing a fast transition into a digital society. As internet usage surges, cybercrime is increasing in both scale and sophistication, targeting individuals, corporations, and government institutions. The study warns that without adaptive legal strategies, cyber threats could undermine public trust, disrupt essential systems, and weaken national resilience.

Rising Digital Adoption, Growing Cyber Risks

Indonesia has seen a sharp increase in internet penetration over recent years, reflecting a broader global trend toward digital transformation. This growth has enabled easier communication, faster access to information, and expanded digital services.

However, the same technological expansion has also created opportunities for cybercriminals. Attacks such as phishing, ransomware, data breaches, and online fraud have become more frequent and more damaging. Government agencies, financial institutions, and educational sectors are among the primary targets.

The study identifies cybercrime as a multidimensional threat that now extends beyond individual harm to national-level risks. Data breaches involving government institutions and strategic systems demonstrate how cyberattacks can directly affect state stability and sovereignty.

How the Study Was Conducted

The researchers used a normative legal research approach, focusing on the analysis of laws, regulations, and policy frameworks related to cybercrime in Indonesia.

Key legal sources reviewed include:

  • Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law)
  • Law No. 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection
  • Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure

In addition to statutory analysis, the study examined academic literature, official reports, and legal doctrines to evaluate how these laws function in practice. The research applied a qualitative, descriptive-analytical method to assess the effectiveness of Indonesia’s legal politics in addressing cyber threats.

Key Findings: Strong Laws, Weak Execution

The study finds that Indonesia has established a relatively comprehensive legal framework to combat cybercrime. However, its implementation remains limited due to several critical challenges:

1. Human resource limitations
There is a shortage of skilled professionals in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
2. Weak inter-agency coordination
Overlapping responsibilities among institutions reduce efficiency in handling cybercrime cases.
3. Technology evolves faster than regulation
Legal frameworks often lag behind rapid technological advancements.
4. Low public digital literacy
Many users are not fully aware of cyber risks or how to protect themselves.

The researchers emphasize that current legal policies are still in an adaptive phase and have not fully responded to the complexity of modern cybercrime, especially cross-border digital attacks.

Cybercrime’s Expanding Impact

Cybercrime in Indonesia has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond financial losses. The study highlights several key impacts:

  • Breaches of personal data affecting millions of citizens
  • Financial fraud through online scams and digital manipulation
  • Disruptions to public services caused by cyberattacks
  • Declining trust in government institutions following major data leaks

Cases involving data breaches at national institutions and cyberattacks on financial systems illustrate how digital vulnerabilities can escalate into national security concerns. These incidents demonstrate that cybercrime is no longer a purely technical issue but a strategic challenge for governance and public policy.

Implications: Toward Adaptive and Collaborative Legal Policies

The study argues that Indonesia’s legal politics must evolve to address the changing nature of cyber threats. A purely punitive approach is no longer sufficient. Instead, a comprehensive strategy combining prevention, enforcement, and collaboration is required.

According to Fauziah Nauri Qisty of Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia, effective cybercrime prevention depends on a balanced legal framework that integrates regulatory reform, institutional capacity building, and public awareness.

The researchers recommend several strategic actions:

  • Updating laws to align with emerging technologies and cross-border cyber threats
  • Strengthening law enforcement capabilities in cybersecurity and digital forensics
  • Improving coordination among government agencies and cybersecurity institutions
  • Enhancing public digital literacy to reduce vulnerability to cybercrime
  • Expanding international cooperation to address global cyber threats

The study introduces the concept of “cyber resilience governance,” which emphasizes collaboration between government, private sector, and society. This approach aims to build a sustainable and secure digital ecosystem capable of responding to evolving cyber risks.

Expert Insight

The authors stress that cybersecurity is not only about protecting technology but also about safeguarding national sovereignty and public trust.

Fauziah Nauri Qisty and her colleagues from Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia highlight that legal politics must be “preventive, repressive, collaborative, and adaptive” to effectively address cybercrime and support national security stability.

Author Profiles

Fauziah Nauri Qisty is a researcher at the Faculty of National Security, Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia, specializing in legal policy and cybersecurity.

Bayu Setiawan is an academic and researcher in national security studies, focusing on the intersection of law and state stability.

Anang Puji Utama is a legal scholar with expertise in cybersecurity law and national defense policy.

Source

Legal Politics in Cybercrime Prevention to Support the Stability of Indonesia’s National Security
Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (FJMR), 2026

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