Indonesia Grapples with Data Sovereignty Concerns in New U.S. Trade Pact
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Jakarta, Indonesia - A recently agreed-upon reciprocal trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States is sparking debate over the protection of Indonesian citizens’ personal data. The agreement stipulates Indonesia’s obligation to transfer citizen data to the U.S., raising alarms among human rights advocates and cybersecurity experts.
Human rights Commission Voices Concerns
The National Commission on Human rights (Komnas HAM) has formally urged the Indonesian government to prioritize the safeguarding of its citizens’ personal data within the framework of the new trade agreement. Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah emphasized that the right to data protection is a basic human right, enshrined in the Indonesian Constitution, Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights, and the International covenant on Civil and political Rights (ICCPR) [[2]].
“Komnas HAM stresses the critical importance of maintaining state sovereignty over digital data and ensuring the protection of Indonesian citizens’ personal details as a basic human right,” hidayah stated in a written release on August 22, 2025. She cautioned against the potential for data breaches and misuse.
The Trade Agreement Details
The U.S. and Indonesia reached a framework agreement on July 23, 2025, designed to eliminate digital trade barriers. According to a White House statement, Indonesia committed to enabling the transfer of personal data abroad, including to the U.S., while acknowledging U.S.data protection standards. This provision has drawn criticism due to the lack of extensive federal data protection regulations in the united States.
Did You Know? The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as a global benchmark for data privacy, requiring explicit consent for data processing and providing individuals with notable control over their personal information.
sovereignty and Potential Risks
Imparsial Director ardi Manto Adiputra argued that personal data should not be leveraged as a bargaining chip in international trade or economic agreements. “Data sovereignty is an integral component of national sovereignty,” Adiputra asserted on July 24, 2025. ”President Prabowo risks surrendering this sovereignty to foreign entities.”
The National Association of Information and Interaction Technology Entrepreneurs (APTIKNAS) underscored that any transfer of personal data to the U.S. must adhere to indonesia’s Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law. Alfons Tanujaya, Chair of APTIKNAS’s Permanent Committee on Cybersecurity Vigilance, stated that U.S. companies handling Indonesian data must comply with the PDP Law and be subject to audits by the PDP Commission.
Tanujaya further emphasized the need for data encryption and explicit consent for data access, alongside bilateral agreements to prevent misuse by foreign authorities. He noted that data security hinges on robust storage methods, not merely the location of storage.
Government Response and Existing regulations
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid affirmed that the transfer of data abroad is already governed by Indonesia’s PDP Law and Government Regulation Number 71 of 2019 concerning the Implementation of Electronic Systems and Transactions. She assured that these regulations ensure secure and reliable data governance without infringing on citizen rights.
Hafid pointed out that cross-border data transfers are common practice among G7 nations-the U.S., Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom-and are conducted securely and reliably. “Data flows between countries are closely monitored by Indonesian authorities, with caution and in accordance with national laws,” she stated.
Key Dates and Actions
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 23, 2025 | U.S.and Indonesia agree to framework of Reciprocal Trade Agreement. |
| July 24, 2025 | Imparsial Director Ardi Manto Adiputra issues statement on data sovereignty. |
| August 22, 2025 | Komnas HAM urges government to protect citizen data. |
Pro Tip: Regularly review the privacy policies of online services and adjust your settings to limit data collection and sharing.
What measures can individuals take to protect their personal data in the digital age? how can Indonesia balance economic interests with the fundamental right to data privacy?
The debate surrounding data sovereignty is a growing global trend,fueled by increasing concerns about privacy,security,and national interests. Countries worldwide are enacting stricter data protection laws, such as the GDPR in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, reflecting a broader shift towards greater control over personal information. The Indonesian government’s response to this trade agreement will likely set a precedent for future negotiations and shape the contry’s approach to digital trade and data governance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is data sovereignty? Data sovereignty refers to the idea that data is subject to the laws and governance structures of the nation within whose borders it is indeed collected.
- What is Indonesia’s PDP Law? Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law regulates the processing of personal data and aims to protect the rights of individuals.
- Why is the U.S. data transfer clause controversial? The clause is controversial as the U.S. lacks comprehensive federal data protection regulations comparable to those in Europe or Indonesia.
- What is Komnas HAM’s role in this issue? Komnas HAM is advocating for the Indonesian government to prioritize the protection of its citizens’ personal data and uphold data sovereignty.
- What steps are being taken to ensure data security? The Indonesian government is emphasizing compliance with the PDP Law, data encryption, and bilateral agreements to prevent misuse of data.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and analysis.
