The PDP Bill must be ratified very soon, so that the people's data is protected. Hence, the main obstacles regarding supervisory agencies must be resolved immediately
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian House of Representatives' member Sukamta has urged the government to immediately ratify the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDP Bill), as it is deemed crucial to protect the data of Indonesians.

"The PDP Bill must be ratified very soon, so that the people's data is protected. Hence, the main obstacles regarding supervisory agencies must be resolved immediately," Sukamta stated here on Wednesday.

The House member accentuated the significance of the bill to protect Indonesians' personal data after another data leak incident again occurred in which the data of two million BRI (Bank Rakyat Indonesia) Life users was leaked and allegedly traded on the Internet by unidentified hackers.

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Sukamta considered the Personal Data Supervisory agency as being independent and having the authority to supervise, investigate, and mediate problems, such as data disputes, between the owners and data users.

According to Sukamta, based on the duties and authorities, the position of this agency must be independent, under a special body or commission, rather than under the ministry.


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"Discussion on the PDP bill came to halt due to differences in opinions over the PDP agency's position. The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo), is keen that the agency to be under Kominfo, while the House seeks an independent agency under the President," Sukamta explained.

Sukamta noted that if it were to come under Kominfo, the supervisory agency would encounter some barriers, because data protection is broader than Kominfo's main tasks and functions.

Sukamta assessed that if the PDP agency were to be placed under Kominfo's coordination, it is feared to not have a significant impact, especially if the problems concern cybersecurity, online fraud, and illegal personal data abuse.


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Translator: Imam B, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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