Cryptography Law is Needed to Support Business

 
Happy Rayna Stephany, Andin Aditya Rahman
 
According to government officials and experts, Indonesia is in dire need of a law on cryptography (sandi) for state defense purposes, to protect the privacy of Indonesian citizens and to support private business transactions.
 
Syahrul Mubarak, Secretary General of the National Cryptography Agency (Lembaga Sandi Negara), believes that it is time for Indonesia to establish a law on cryptography. Thislaw will not only be utilized for military and state security purposes, but by private businesses.
 
“Every corporation that manages internet resources in Indonesia is interested in securing protection guarantees for their investments and businesses,” Mr. Mubarak saidduring a seminar in Bali on Wednesday .
 
The importance of a cryptography legal framework becomes more apparent with the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community that is due to commence in 2015. Under thistrade framework, there will be an immense number of electronic transactions that must be encrypted. This is where a cryptography legal framework is important to protect business transactions and encourage a conducive business climate.
 
Mr. Mubarak recognizesthat other existing legislations already includes provisions on cryptography, namely Article 34 of Law No. 11 of 2008on Electronic Information and Transactions (“IT Law”). However this single article only contains a prohibition of abusing cryptography systems and equipment.
 
“The IT Law does not sufficiently regulate thisissue,”asserts Mr. Mubarak.
 
In addition, the protection provided by a cryptography legal framework becomes more apparent with the sharp-rise of cybercrimes in Indonesia. According to data from the Indonesian National Police, in 2013 there was an increase of 27.4 percent in cybercrimes over2012.
 
Edmon Makarim, telecommunications expert from the University ofIndonesia, supportsMr. Mubarak’s viewsstating and emphasizes there are plenty of reasons why a law on cryptography is necessary.
 
According to Mr. Makarim, the primary factor is to protect the privacy of Indonesian citizens. Every individual possesses the right to keep their private information secret. A secondreason is for public services purposes. A law on cryptography will guarantee that data used in public services will be distributed securely and with ease.
 
Further, a cryptography law is also important for the development of cryptography knowledge and technology to protect intellectual property rights. An example is the copyright issue for cryptographic algorithms.
 
A final important reason for a cryptography legal framework is to establish a data authenticity system for business purposes.
 
“If it is not authentic, no authentication, no evidence, no deal,” concluded Mr. Makarim.
 
(hot/kc)