Jakarta – President Joko Widodo or Jokowi has requested for the cyber security to be tightened and expanded this year. The president made the request when attending the swearing-on ceremony of Maj. Gen. Djoko Setiadi as chief of the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) at the State Palace on Wednesday.

Cyber security will be expanded not only for government agencies and state-owned enterprises, but also for citizens.

According to the Widodo, the establishment of BSSN, which will serve as an umbrella agency for all cyber units of ministries and institutions, was highly needed. "Especially in anticipating the rapid growth of cyberspace," he said.

In carrying out its duties, BSSN will coordinate with other institutions, such as the TNI, the Police, and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN).

BSSN chief Djoko Setiadi said he is ready to carry out the president's instructions and focus on securing the cyberspace in Indonesia by "using technology to control cyber activities."

He also promised to take actions against hoaxes and fake news posters. He said that there are positive and negative hoaxes, and those that are positive will not be prosecuted.

The Communication and Information Ministry's director general for informatics applications Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan is confident that the BSSN will be effective in doing its job as the nation's cyberspace agency that coordinates other cyber units. he also believes that the BSSN can tackle and prevent potentials of cyber-attacks – especially ahead of the general elections.

– Amirullah Suhada, Danang Firmanto

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2018/01/04/055914561/Jokowi-Wants-Tighter-Wider-Cyber-Security