DPR and Kominfo Meet to Address the Ban on Gambling Websites and Broader Digital Security Concerns

Jakarta — In a formal meeting with members of the DPR (Indonesian Parliament), the Minister of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) and related officials discussed a recent controversy involving the blocking of websites allegedly linked to online gambling. Key issues included the specific sites targeted, the technical and procedural methods for identifying and blocking sites, and broader digital security concerns that have come to light in recent months. The meeting highlighted the urgency of protecting public interests while ensuring that Kominfo’s actions align with lawful and accurate practices.

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Background: Blocking Websites and Verification Issues

The meeting opened with DPR member Abraham Srijaya questioning Kominfo’s website blocking practices, pointing to an incident in which a legitimate WordPress site was mistakenly blocked. According to Mr. Abraham, this mistake has raised concerns over Kominfo's verification process, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability. The incident has sparked public debates and criticisms over potential misuse of authority and the ministry's technical safeguards.

Mr. Abraham emphasized the importance of establishing a clear mechanism for identifying and blocking harmful sites, suggesting that Kominfo’s approach needs refinement. He raised questions to the Director-General of Aptika, seeking clarity on the criteria, verification process, and specific personnel responsible for deciding which sites to block. Mr. Abraham noted that past blocking methods under previous ministers, such as Mr. Johnny Plate and Mr. Budi Ari, seemed inconsistent, resulting in both procedural and security concerns.

Security Gaps: System Vulnerabilities and Threats

Another significant revelation was the exposure of security gaps within Kominfo's system. A social media activist, Mr. Bird, reportedly demonstrated the ease of breaching Kominfo's website, gaining unauthorized access to personal data of officials. According to Mr. Bird, he could utilize these identities for various actions, such as booking hotels and sending emails on behalf of officials, all within seconds. The activist’s findings were demonstrated to Kominfo staff, yet Mr. Abraham expressed disappointment that no corrective action has been taken since the incident.

These lapses suggest potential systemic vulnerabilities within Kominfo that could expose the ministry—and by extension, public data—to security breaches. Kominfo has been urged to urgently address these vulnerabilities, as they pose significant risks not only to its reputation but also to national data security.

Broadening the Scope: Data Privacy and Protection

Additional concerns were raised about the need for robust protections for both personal and institutional data. DPR member Yoyo voiced support for the Minister’s efforts, urging her to take decisive steps toward strengthening data security. Mr. Yoyo underscored the importance of Kominfo’s role in safeguarding Indonesian citizens’ data, noting that data breaches have become increasingly common across government agencies.

In his address, Mr. Yoyo cited recent incidents involving the destruction of archival data at government offices, such as the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the Attorney General’s Office. He called for Kominfo to anticipate and prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing that national data security must become a top priority. He expressed confidence that the minister could spearhead this initiative, backed by public support and trust.

Public Support and Future Actions

The meeting concluded with calls for Kominfo to take a proactive role in the fight against online gambling, illegal lending platforms, and other cyber threats. With growing public support, members of the DPR reiterated that Kominfo has a unique opportunity to set a new standard in digital governance. Mr. Yoyo urged the minister to be a figurehead in “cleaning up” Indonesia’s digital landscape, ensuring that cybersecurity measures meet the expectations of a modern and secure government.

As Kominfo continues to face scrutiny, this meeting marks a pivotal moment for the ministry to implement stricter, more transparent protocols. Moving forward, Kominfo is expected to report back on adjustments to its verification processes and security infrastructure, reassuring the public that their data and digital rights are safeguarded.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts between DPR and Kominfo signal a renewed focus on digital security and the responsible governance of online spaces. As Indonesia navigates the complex issues surrounding internet safety, data privacy, and national cybersecurity, stakeholders are hopeful that Kominfo will rise to the challenge, reinforcing trust and resilience in Indonesia’s digital future.

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