"Indonesia has intensively participated in discussions and working groups on digital data governance during 2020. We are aware that a data management framework is very important to effectively protect the data of Indonesian citizens (WNI) if the data flows across regional boundaries," Mira Tayyiba, the ministry's secretary general, noted in a press statement here on Wednesday. At the virtual meeting, discussions centered on efforts to create an inclusive, safe, and reliable digital ecosystem for the grouping amid the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025).
At the meeting, Tayyiba remarked that on the basis of various inputs, she could not as yet adopt the ASEAN Digital Master Plan in order to protect the personal data of Indonesian citizens.
Related news: Govt, parliament should complete deliberation on PDP Bill: MPR Chief
"We agree with the agenda that will be discussed. Malaysia, assuming the chairmanship, can direct us to the implementation of new initiatives and cooperation that will be supported by the ministers. However, Indonesia cannot immediately adopt and implement a data management framework and contract clause model contained in the ASEAN Digital Masterplan in order to protect the personal data of Indonesian citizens," she stated.
At the meeting, Indonesia encouraged collaboration to bolster data management among ASEAN member countries. Expediting digital transformation is one of the key tasks of the forum.
Indonesia also voiced support for the adoption of the master plan at the next meeting.
"Hence, Indonesia expresses its support for the guidelines for adoption approval during implementation of the ADGMIN (ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting) later," she remarked.
Senior officials from 10 member countries of ASEAN as well as representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Japan, the United States, India, South Korea, and the European Union participated in the meeting.
Related news: Legislator highlights urgency of passing PDP Bill into law
Translator: Natisha A, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
