Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and Russia explored cooperation in the field of security, in particular to prevent cyber crimes that infiltrate the vital data of the state.

"We have often established cooperation in the field of security, especially in anti-terrorism and steps to cut off terror financing. But, there are other things that we have discussed with Russia, which includes cyber security issues," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Wiranto said at a bilateral meeting between Indonesia and Russia here on Wednesday.

He stated that although Indonesia has completed a national policy on information and cyber security by establishing the National Cyber Agency, the exchange of knowledge with Russia, which already has the Basic Principles of State Policy in the Field of International Information Security, is considered essential to support national security.

"Currently, the infrastructure is not yet ideal, the funding is still limited, and security awareness needs to be improved. However, Indonesia will gain experience on cyber security from many other countries, and this is important," he explained.

According to Wiranto, before establishing cooperation with Russia, Indonesia had also discussed cyber security issues with Australia, India, and Singapore.

He remarked that the hacking of confidential data or sensitive information is a serious threat to the country, and therefore cyber security has now become a valuable asset for the government.

The bilateral meeting was also attended by the Russian Deputy Secretary of the Security O.V. Khramov, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin, as well as representatives of relevant ministries and institutions. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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