Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria called on Southeast Asian nations on Thursday to strengthen regional cooperation in cybersecurity to maintain stability amid growing digital risks.

Patria made the remarks in a statement from the ERIA SOG Executive Roundtable in Jakarta, saying digital transformation and cybersecurity must go hand in hand.

He warned that while digital technologies bring opportunities for economic growth and regional collaboration, they also introduce threats that respect no borders.

He outlined three priority areas for cooperation. First, protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring data sovereignty. Patria said secure technological systems are essential for a healthy digital economy.

Second, boosting resilience against cyber hazards including misinformation, disinformation, and coordinated cross-border cyberattacks.

He called for a strong framework for information sharing among governments to improve readiness.

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Third, promoting local digital innovation and industrial collaboration. Patria urged investments and partnerships in the technology sector to reinforce both national and regional security, drive economic growth, and safeguard sovereignty.

“We must move beyond being passive technology consumers,” he added.

Patria spoke at the ERIA SOG roundtable on Oct. 15, emphasizing that the policy dialogue’s outcomes should result in concrete projects that bridge industry and regulators.

He said the goal is to establish a long‑term cybersecurity cooperation community across Southeast Asia.

Regional cybersecurity efforts are increasingly viewed as essential due to the growing frequency and sophistication of online threats.

Experts believe such cooperation can help countries share resources, scale responses, and ensure digital safety for businesses and citizens alike.

With digital economies expanding rapidly across ASEAN, Indonesia is pushing for clear policy frameworks, stronger defenses, and innovation to ensure that growth is secure and resilient in the cyber domain.

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