Jakarta, INTI – The threat of digital crime in Indonesia has entered a new phase. Deepfake technology, which was originally developed for creative and entertainment purposes, has now turned into a dangerous tool in spreading fraud, political manipulation, and biometric-based financial system breaches.
The latest case uncovered by the Directorate General of Criminal Investigation of the Criminal Investigation Police indicates a serious escalation: the perpetrators spread deepfake videos using the faces and voices of President Prabowo, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, under the pretext of providing government assistance. This mode targets public emotions, while blurring the line between truth and lies.
AI Technology: Solutions and Threats
According to Jan Sysmans, Mobile App Security Evangelist from Appdome, conventional security approaches are no longer enough. He emphasizes the need for AI-based adaptive security systems that are able to detect and respond to threats automatically without human intervention. AI is not just a defense tool, but also an active learner that continuously evolves from billions of data and digital threat signals.
With a database of nearly 2 billion apps, Appdome developed a protection system that recognizes attack patterns, including deepfakes, in real-time. This approach aims to create a security system that is not only resilient, but also agile to new threats.
Deepfakes in the Financial Sector: Real Risks and Losses
In the financial sector, deepfakes have become a sophisticated fraud tool. By faking an executive's face or voice, perpetrators can trick biometric systems into tricking employees into transferring funds or gaining access to sensitive data. Even the data of deceased people can be misused to apply for loans or create fake accounts.
The impact is not only financial loss, but also a threat to public trust in digital security technologies. Therefore, financial institutions need to:
1. Enhance layered authentication systems,
2. Train employees to recognize the signs of deepfake fraud,
3. Actively educating customers, and
4. Strengthening collaboration with law enforcement.
Manipulation of Political Information Through Deepfakes
Equally serious, the potential misuse of deepfakes in politics threatens the integrity of democracy. Fake videos resembling political figures can be used to sway public opinion, damage reputations, and divide communities. As elections approach, the escalation of this technology-based disinformation needs to be addressed immediately.
Preventive strategies are needed:
1. Improve people's digital literacy
2. Develop a massive false content detection system
3. Encourage cross-sector collaboration between government, media, and civil society,
4. Enforce clear and firm regulations and legal sanctions.
A Comprehensive Strategy to Counter the Deepfake Threat
Addressing the deepfake challenge requires a cross-sectoral and sustainable approach. Some important steps that can be taken:
1. Increased digital literacy nationwide
2. Development of AI-based deepfake detection technology
3. Regulatory reform, including revision of the ITE Law
4. Cooperation between the government, private sector, and civil society
5. Utilization of new authentication technologies such as blockchain for digital content transparency 5.
By building a resilient and collaborative digital ecosystem, Indonesia can reduce the negative impact of deepfakes while creating a safer and more trusted digital space for all parties.
Conclusion
The deepfake threat in Indonesia is no longer just a technological issue, but a serious challenge that touches various sectors ranging from digital security, finance, to political stability. Countering this wave of increasingly sophisticated digital crime requires a comprehensive strategy that includes public education, detection technology innovation, regulatory updates, and cross-sector collaboration. With collective awareness and the right preventive measures, Indonesia can create a digital space that is more secure, credible and resilient to AI-based manipulation.
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