Economic Unstability Is Predicted To Be The Largest Security Risk

JAKARTA - Economic instability emerged as the most pressing security issue in Indonesia. As many as 71 percent of security leaders in Indonesia surveyed stated that this is the main threat that has the most potential to affect security in the coming year, the highest percentage in the world.

The campaign for public misinformation and unrest sparked tensions, with 62 percent of respondents reporting a significant increase in the threat of violence against company leaders in the last two years, well above the Asia Pacific average of 46 percent.

These findings highlight how economic and social turmoil interact and create a high-risk environment for company leaders. In response, various organizations strengthen protection measures, crisis communication, and security planning to maintain the safety of employees and the company's reputation.

This report is part of the World Security Report initiated by Allied Universal Total, the world's leading provider of security services and facilities, along with its international business, G4S. Globally, the report involves 2,352 Chief Security Officers (CSOs) or individuals with equivalent positions working in medium to large companies in 31 countries, with total combined annual revenues of more than 25 trillion US dollars.

In Indonesia, 58 CSOs are respondents in this survey, which is part of 464 CSOs surveyed throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Achmad Kosasih, Managing Director of G4S Indonesia, saw a significant increase in the risks faced by company leaders, most of which were triggered by prolonged economic instability.

"This uncertainty has created conditions where misinformation and disinformation campaigns are growing rapidly, often a major trigger for parties targeting the business world in Indonesia," he said in a written statement, Tuesday, November 18.

The responses provided are very strong and visionary. Companies in Indonesia are among the leading globally in implementing comprehensive executive protection measures and increasing their security budget allocation. There is a real commitment to utilizing advanced technology in strengthening security systems," he explained.

This effort is also accompanied by an urge to place physical security as a strategic priority in the organizational structure. This finding underscores the importance of an integrated strategy that combines human expertise and smart technology in a synergistic manner," he added.

Indonesia faces serious challenges due to widespread misinformation and disinformation. As many as 86 percent of companies were reportedly targeted by such campaigns in the past year the second highest level in the Asia Pacific region. More worrying, 62 percent of security leaders stated that half or more of the threat to their businesses was driven by global misinformation or disinformation the highest level.

These factors have sparked a significant increase in external and internal threats that are more specific. External fraud is referred to as the main concern by 40 percent of respondents, the highest in the region. Meanwhile, the threat of internal fraud is also as serious as 41% calling it the main internal threat the highest level together in the world.

Proactive actions to protect leaders

Companies in Indonesia are taking firm steps in executive protection, with levels of applicability that far exceed both regional and global averages. As many as 71 percent of companies have stepped up their security procedures (compared to the Asia Pacific average of 52 percent), while 60 percent provide close security personnel for company leaders (averaged Asia Pacific 40 percent) both are the second highest level in the world.

In addition, companies in Indonesia also occupy the top positions at the regional and global levels in implementing other executive protection measures. As many as 59 percent of companies carry out online threat monitoring (average Asia Pacific 49 percent), and 55 percent provide personal protective equipment for leaders, such as security vehicles (average Asia Pacific 37 percent) making it the highest level in the region and the third highest globally.

Strengthening security resources

Security leaders in Indonesia are showing strong readiness to increase investment, both in human resources and technology. A total of 71 percent estimate that the physical security budget will increase in the next year at the highest level in the Asia Pacific region. There is also a big focus on the application of cutting-edge technology, with 60 percent planning to invest in AI-based intrusion detection systems (the global average of 44 percent) and 55 percent in biometric access control technology (the global average 40 percent) in the next two years, placing Indonesia among global leaders in security technology adoption.

This commitment is reflected in their strategic priorities. As many as 53 percent of security leaders make increasing threat detection capabilities to prevent incidents a top priority.

In addition, 93 percent of respondents agreed that physical security should have higher strategic priorities in business, the second highest level globally (the average Asia Pacific 84 percent).

This strategic shift also reflects the increasing demands for the role of security personnel.

As many as 97 percent of security leaders stated that the demands for frontline professionals are now greater than the five years ago the highest level together in the world (the average Asia Pacific 84 percent).

Meanwhile, 95 percent believe that the role of humans will remain an important part in maintaining organizational security, the second highest level in the region (averaging Asia Pacific 89 percent).

Sanjay Verma, President of G4S - Asia and the Middle East, said that the Asia Pacific region continues to face complex and changing macro dynamics, influenced by a number of key factors.

"The increasing geopolitical tensions, continued economic changes, and the acceleration of digital transformation are jointly reshaping the security landscape for the business world. The World Security Report shows that economic instability is a source of widespread concern across the region, with Asia Pacific recording the highest level of concern globally. This condition has the potential to trigger an increased risk of financially motivated crime and internal threats driven by economic pressure," he explained.

A multi-dimensional approach is very important to face these challenges. First, companies need to adapt to the ever-evolving speed and complexity of threats, especially those driven by digital technology. Investment in advanced security technologies, especially artificial intelligence-based solutions (AI), is now no longer an option, but a must. Second, interesting, training, and maintaining competent security workforce are crucial factors.

"This step must be continued with sustainable investment in human resource development, in order to improve frontline safety professional skills in order to be able to collaborate effectively with technology, strengthen analytical capabilities, and maintain their welfare. Third, building a positive security culture in all organizations is not only in the security department, but is the responsibility of every employee," he concluded.