Jakarta, INTI – As the digital transformation in the healthcare sector accelerates, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in hospitals continues to grow. However, this development is accompanied by growing public concern over the security of patients' personal data. Many hospitals are now placing great emphasis on how electronic medical records are managed, stored, and protected from potential leaks or misuse.
President Director of Harapan Kita National Cardiovascular Center (RSJPD), Dr. Iwan Dakota, Sp.JP(K), MARS, emphasized that patient trust in data security is a fundamental pillar for the implementation of AI technology in healthcare facilities.
“Patients nowadays frequently ask about the security of their personal data, especially since almost all hospitals are now using electronic medical records,” he said during a press briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday July 23, 2025.
Cyber Threats and Concerns Over Data Misuse
Patient concerns are not unfounded. Recently, a vertical hospital experienced a system disruption due to a cyberattack that disabled services for two days. This incident raised serious questions about data protection, particularly the risk of sensitive health information being misused by irresponsible parties.
According to Iwan, the main concern is not just about when or where the data breach occurs, but how severe the consequences could be if such data falls into the wrong hands. He stressed the importance of cooperation between hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) in enhancing digital security systems.
Data Servers Must Be Located in Indonesia
One of the concrete measures being emphasized is the requirement for backup data servers to be located within Indonesia. Iwan revealed that the government had previously received an offer to store patient data overseas, but the offer was rejected due to concerns over security and public comfort.
“Backup servers must be located in Indonesia to prevent misuse of data by foreign parties,” he stated firmly.
This step is also part of the broader effort to maintain public trust in hospital information systems, especially in an era where fast, technology-based services are the norm.
Internal Policies and Procedures Are Equally Crucial
Meanwhile, President Director of Mandaya Hospital Group, Dr. Benedictus Reinaldo Widaja, MBChB (UK), pointed out that strengthening data security does not only rely on advanced technology, but also on internal policies and operational procedures.
“We often forget that no matter how strong an IT system is, if the SOPs and policies are weak, data can still leak. There must be binding rules for individuals who have access to the system,” Benedictus explained.
He also emphasized that patient information must be used strictly for medical purposes. Any use beyond that context is a serious violation of privacy and ethical standards.
Strengthening Regulations Through the Personal Data Protection Law
As a follow-up, vertical hospitals along with the Ministry of Health continue to push for stronger regulatory frameworks through the Personal Data Protection Law. This cross-sectoral collaboration is expected to provide a robust, fair, and reliable patient data protection system amid the digitalization of healthcare services.
Conclusion:
In the digital age, while the use of AI in healthcare brings many advantages, it also demands a higher level of responsibility in protecting patient data. Collaboration between hospitals, the government, and key stakeholders is essential to building a secure, trustworthy, and sustainable healthcare ecosystem.
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