"It is for commercial purposes only; it is not for handing over our data to be managed by other parties, nor do we get to manage other parties' data," PCO Head Hasan Nasbi stated at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday.
According to Nasbi, cross-border data transfer is necessary for select commodities, such as palm-based glycerin material, which can be used either for beneficial purposes, for instance, as fertilizer, or harmful purposes, such as making bombs.
Related news: Indonesia to allow personal data transfer to United States
"In this case, we need data openness (to know) who buys and sells it," the PCO chief explained, adding that this is part of strategic management.
Nasbi also refuted concerns that the data transfer between Indonesia and the US will cover personal data in general, as its protection is assured by Indonesia's Personal Data Protection Law.
"We exchange data only as allowed by the Personal Data Law, with countries deemed capable of protecting and ensuring personal data security. This practice is also adopted by the European Union and other countries," he elaborated.
Data transfer is one of the several key points outlined in the agreement on reciprocal trade, jointly issued by the US and Indonesia, and announced by the White House on its official website on Tuesday.
“Indonesia will provide certainty regarding the ability to move personal data out of its territory to the United States by recognizing the United States as a country or jurisdiction providing adequate data protection under Indonesia’s law,” the White House said.
The White House stated that the United States and Indonesia will finalize commitments on digital trade, services, and investment.
The provisions outlined in the trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States are a follow-up to the 19 percent import tariff announced by US President Donald Trump on Indonesian products.
Related news: Reciprocal trade terms decided mutually: Hartarto on tariff talks
Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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