RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Protecting personal data is a fundamental right. The Indonesian government is establishing the Personal Data Protection Authority to strengthen this protection as part of national digital governance.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, said the authority is expected to ensure accountable and transparent management of personal data and provide legal certainty in the era of digital transformation.

“This personal data protection agency will operate independently, with its own structure, but all reports will be directed to the President through the Ministry of Communication and Digital,” Nezar said at the US‑ASEAN Business Council Dinner Dialogue themed Digital Economy Mission to Indonesia 2026 in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

He added that establishing the authority is one of the final steps in drafting the Presidential Regulation on Personal Data Protection, which is expected to be completed within two months.

The regulation is being drafted in parallel with the Presidential Regulation on the National AI Roadmap. Together, these policies will lay the foundation for an AI ecosystem that encourages innovation while safeguarding the public’s right to security and personal data protection.

“The foundation of AI governance rests on two main aspects: AI ethics and personal data protection. Therefore, we are drafting these two presidential regulations simultaneously so that Indonesia has a regulatory framework that encourages innovation while protecting the public,” he said.

Nezar emphasized that AI development must be balanced with regulations that protect citizens’ rights while allowing technological progress. Rather than hindering innovation, the government wants regulations to ensure technology develops responsibly.

“We are open to all AI initiatives and innovations developed in Indonesia. The National AI Roadmap is designed to support this innovation, not restrict it,” he said.

The government will also implement a risk‑based regulatory approach to AI governance. Through this approach, each AI product will be classified based on its risk level, allowing oversight to be tailored to its potential societal impact, including personal data security.

“Our focus is on AI risk mitigation. AI products with high risks will naturally be regulated more comprehensively than those with low risks. This way, innovation can continue without neglecting security, ethics, and public protection,” he explained.

In addition to strengthening regulations, the government is building a national AI ecosystem by developing digital infrastructure, data centers, and computing capacity, as well as cultivating digital talent.

“Combining adaptive regulations, strong personal data protection, and support for innovation will be an important asset for Indonesia to accelerate digital economic growth and strengthen global competitiveness,” he concluded. ***