Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s digital economy is increasingly becoming a key driver of national economic growth, supported by rising digital transactions, the expansion of data center infrastructure, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). As these developments accelerate, cybersecurity has become essential to maintaining trust across the digital ecosystem, enabling technological innovation, and strengthening the country’s economic competitiveness.
“On behalf of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, I welcome the Workshop on Quantum and Post-Quantum Cryptography as a strategic opportunity to strengthen national cybersecurity resilience while preparing Indonesia to capitalize on the economic and innovation opportunities emerging from quantum technology,” said Ali Murtopo Simbolon, Deputy for Trade and Digital Economy Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, during the workshop themed “Strategizing Indonesia’s Digital Defense in the Quantum Era” in Jakarta on Thursday, October 15.
During the event, Ali highlighted the importance of maintaining security and trust as Indonesia’s digital economy continues to expand. The country’s gross merchandise value (GMV) reached nearly US$100 billion in 2025, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, and is projected to reach US$340 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, Bank Indonesia recorded 12.99 billion digital payment transactions in the third quarter of 2025, marking 38.08% year-on-year growth.
International Collaboration Supports AI Development
Indonesia continues to promote international collaboration to expand AI adoption and unlock new opportunities for innovation. Partnerships with stakeholders from various regions, including the United States and China, form part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its capabilities in AI development and deployment.
Regional digital economic integration is also a key component of Indonesia’s digital development agenda. Ali noted that the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is planned for November. The agreement is expected to deepen regional digital economic integration and create opportunities to expand ASEAN’s digital economy, with its value potentially increasing from US$1 trillion to US$2 trillion as implementation progresses.
Quantum Computing Introduces New Cybersecurity Challenges
Despite the opportunities presented by emerging technologies, quantum computing could pose significant challenges to existing cryptographic systems used to protect digital information.
One key risk is Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL), a practice in which encrypted data is collected today with the intention of decrypting it in the future when technological capabilities become sufficiently advanced. This threat highlights the need for early preparation before quantum computing potentially undermines current data protection mechanisms.
To address this challenge, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) has emerged as a strategic approach to preparing cryptographic systems for advances in quantum computing. PQC readiness involves more than replacing existing algorithms. It also requires comprehensive planning, mapping the systems and data that need protection, developing skilled personnel, and coordinating efforts across sectors.
These proactive measures are essential to maintaining the continuity of government digital services and economic activities that increasingly depend on technology.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and National Technology Independence
Ali further emphasized that strengthening cybersecurity, one of the pillars of Indonesia’s National Strategy White Paper for Digital Economy Development, must go hand in hand with building national technological independence.
International collaboration can accelerate learning and technology adoption. However, Indonesia must also develop its own capabilities and cybersecurity platforms that meet national requirements.
“We can certainly learn from those who have moved ahead, but we must also build our own capabilities in preparing our cybersecurity technology platforms,” Ali emphasized.
Through stronger digital infrastructure, broader AI adoption, regional digital economic integration, and early preparation for quantum computing, Indonesia aims to ensure that digital economic growth goes hand in hand with cybersecurity resilience and technological independence.
Cross-sector coordination and collaboration among stakeholders will be crucial to maintaining digital trust, enhancing national competitiveness, and advancing digital transformation that delivers tangible economic value.
The workshop was also attended by Tjahjo Khurniawan, Deputy for Cybersecurity and Cryptography Strategy and Policy at the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN); Raden Pardede, Advisory Team Member to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs; Toni Nainggolan, Acting Assistant Deputy for Digital Economy Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs; Juvanus Tjandra, Managing Partner of IBM Consulting Indonesia; Julian Tan, Head of Quantum Enterprise for ASEAN and India at IBM; Kalamullah Ramli, Chair of the Policy Working Group of BSSN’s National Task Force for Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Migration; Pratama Dahlian Persadha, Chair of the Technical Working Group; Ricardo Irwan Rei, Chair of the Industry and Talent Development Working Group; as well as representatives from various government ministries, agencies, and academic institutions.
Conclusion
Indonesia is strengthening its cybersecurity readiness as quantum computing introduces new risks to existing data protection systems. By advancing post-quantum cryptography, developing local technological capabilities, and expanding international collaboration, the country aims to safeguard its growing digital economy while maintaining trust, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
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