Indonesia identified as potential target for foreign espionage

Experts from the University of Indonesia and the Indonesia Cyber Security Forum have warned that Indonesia’s strategic geopolitical position and abundant natural resources make it a prime target for foreign espionage. Edy Prasetyono, Executive Director of the ASEAN Study Center at the University of Indonesia, noted that acquiring sensitive information regarding Indonesia’s resources and political processes provides external parties with significant advantages.

There is a growing call for a comprehensive anti-espionage bill to address modern threats. Experts emphasize that espionage now extends into economic, industrial, and digital realms. Ardi Sutedja, Chairman of the Indonesia Cyber Security Forum, highlighted that the digitalization of critical economic, social, and cultural data makes it easier for actors to extract information through sophisticated technological instruments that are often difficult to detect.

In a separate cybersecurity context, Kaspersky researchers have warned travelers in Indonesia about digital risks. Data indicates significant levels of web threats, password stealers, and spyware in the region. Specifically, tourists are advised to be cautious of fraudulent QR codes targeting the national QRIS payment system.