Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Deputy House Speaker Agus Hermanto has expressed hope that the newly formed National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) would work full time to counter hoaxes and hate speeches on social media.

The agency, under the leadership of Major General Djoko Setiadi, would be able to deal with various challenges because of its intelligence function, he said here on Wednesday.

The agency`s other functions include security and communication in the cyber world, the Democratic Party`s politician stated.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Commission I of the House of Representative (DPR), Abdul Kharis Almasyari, is of the view that it is crucial for the BSSN chief to work in synergy with other institutions related to cybersecurity.

"The current condition demands the agency to work immediately in synergy with all institutions related to cybersecurity demands. I hope the BSSN could protect crucial sectors in the country in future," Almasyari noted in a statement here on Wednesday.

The Parliament`s Commission I, as a partner of the BSSN, had been waiting for the agency for long, he added.

The politician of the Justice and Prosperous Party (PKS) reminded that the BSSN is an independent institution, which does not support any political interests, but the national interest.

"I am sure that as we approach the legislative and presidential elections, cybersecurity challenges would become more dynamic and would need better handling," he remarked.

Besides, the agency must be able to protect the country`s infrastructure, including data of the public sector, finance, and transportation, from hackers, including foreign hackers, he explained.

Zulkifli Hasan, Chairman of the People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR), hoped that the BSSN, which will monitor information circulating in the cyber world, could minimize cyber crimes.

Progress is inevitable in the cyber world; therefore, the presence of BSSN is crucial, he revealed.

He also lauded the appointment of Setiadi as head of the BSSN.

"He is a good and straightforward person. We pray that he would be able to perform his duties smoothly," he noted.

Setiadi, the former chief of the State Code Agency, was sworn in as the BSSN chief by the president at the State Palace, here, on Wednesday.

reported by Imam Budilaksono
(f001/INE)
EDITED BY INE/a014

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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