Online Attacks Rise, Experts Remind Indonesia To Be Ready To Face Cyber Conflict

International Cyber Psychology Expert Mary Aiken (photo: dock. Special)

JAKARTA War is now not only a matter of weapons, but also about digital defense. The era of conflict has now shifted to cyberspace and this threat attacks all countries, including Indonesia.

International Cyber Psychology Expert, Mary Aiken, stated that cyber attacks do not recognize national boundaries. This attack, in the form of ransomware or malware, can spread easily so that Indonesia needs to have careful preparation.

"Cyber conflict rarely respects borders. Ransomware attacks or malware launched in one region can easily spread to other countries," Aiken told VOI on the sidelines of the Global Cybersecurity Forum 2025 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, October 1.

Indonesia has a high cyber attack risk because of its enormous population. Given that Indonesia is intensively digitizing, Aiken said that investment in 'cyber hygiene' is needed at various levels.

This cyber hygiene is not only a matter of adopting advanced defense technology, but also includes the development of digital culture and public literacy. Disciplinary to the maintenance of personal data and transparency of the government regarding cyber attacks is also very much needed.

Aiken highlighted that threats are not only in the form of technical attacks, but also disinformation. According to him, disinformation is a deadly weapon because it involves public trust.

Misunderstandings develop in low-confidence and weak digital literacy. Disinformation is a weapon, not a machine. Indonesia must protect both digital systems and public trust," explained Aiken.

Taking an example from Europe, Aiken said that resilience was born out of transparency and public trust. Indonesia can strengthen resilience with stricter critical infrastructure standards and a fast attack reporting system.

Furthermore, Aiken highlighted the potential for cyber diplomacy in the country. Indonesia is said to have the credibility to lead Southeast Asia in establishing global norms related to data sovereignty and cyber crime prevention.

In addition, in the midst of the emergence of global geopolitical rivalry, Indonesia is considered to be an equalizer in Southeast Asia. With the fourth largest number of internet users in the world, Indonesia's voice in setting global standards cannot be ignored.

At the end, Aiken explained that cyber attacks could paralyze the country by "stopping the economy, turning off critical services, and destroying people's trust." Seeing this, Aiken explained that Indonesia's cyber resilience needs to start from home to palace.

"The true courage is to prepare for the unexpected, before it comes. Indonesia can do it with technology, with diplomacy, and with the trust of its people," Aiken concluded.