Indonesia to educate MSMEs on personal data protection compliance

The Indonesian government is initiating educational programs for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) regarding the implementation of Law Number 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection (PDP). Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Nezar Patria stated that the focus will be on providing guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, acknowledging that smaller businesses may struggle with requirements like appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) due to limited resources.

Cybersecurity expert Pratama Persadha noted that compliance does not necessarily require expensive infrastructure. Instead, MSMEs should focus on ensuring data is processed legally, transparently, and securely as part of their daily operations. He suggested that an initial step for small businesses is to conduct an inventory of the personal data they manage.

Economist Heru Sutadi from the University of Indonesia suggested that adhering to data protection laws should be viewed as an investment in customer loyalty and business reputation. He emphasized that transparent data handling can serve as a competitive advantage in the digital economy, helping to build consumer trust and long-term sustainability.