Jokowi's NIK Spreads From Election Data, Here's KPU's Response

KPU chairman Ilham Saputra/Antara

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo's population identification number (NIK) was spread and known by netizens until Jokowi's vaccination certificate appeared on social media.

It turns out that the site that publishes Jokowi's NIK is the official website of the General Elections Commission (KPU). If you type "NIK Joko Widodo" in the search engine, the site infopemilu2.kpu.go.id displays Jokowi's NIK.

Actually, the data that contains Jokowi's NIK is the publication of Jokowi's data as a presidential candidate in the 2019 election. There is also data on other Jokowi identities such as place and date of birth, age, and religion.

In response to this, the Chairman of the Indonesian KPU, Ilham Saputra, said that the display of Jokowi's NIK on the election management website was a form of publication of presidential candidates. Of course, the publication has received Jokowi's approval when he nominated the president in the 2019 election.

"In the context of the 2019 presidential nomination, for the publication of candidate requirements, the KPU asks for written approval from each pair of candidates," Ilham told reporters, Friday, September 3.

However, Ilham emphasized that his party will continue to carry out the rules for publishing data regarding candidates in accordance with the rules regarding the protection of personal data.

"In principle, the Indonesian KPU in carrying out the nomination stages adheres to the principles of personal data protection," said Ilham.

As is known, the display of Jokowi's NIK from the KPU website allows netizens to search for Jokowi's vaccination certificate through the PeduliLindung application. Then, the vaccination certificates that can be downloaded are also spread on social media.

Jokowi's spokesman, Fadjroel Rachman, asked that efforts to protect personal data be carried out immediately.

In addition, he also regretted that the circulation of personal data belonging to the former Governor of DKI Jakarta had occurred.

"(We, ed) hope that the relevant parties will immediately take special steps to prevent similar incidents. Including protecting public data," said Fadjroel.