Hello reader,

That was some debate, huh? That made Indonesia’s most recent presidential debates look so civil by comparison.

One thing that shouldn’t be up for debate: backing up your most important data is absolutely necessary in this day and age. In today’s edition, we learn that this practice is optional in our government. And now, things have gotten messy.

What a way to start the weekend.

Cheers,

Andra

Law/Politics

Data Backup “Optional”

You’re responsible for hosting practically an entire nation’s data, do you: A) exercise prudence and back up everything in case something goes wrong; or B) cross your fingers and hope nothing goes wrong, and then rue your decision when something does go wrong?

If you chose B, your spirit animal is Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Information. Yesterday, the ministry was left red-faced following hours of intense questioning by the House of Parliament (DPR) regarding the recent ransomware attack on the National Data Center (PDN).

During the session, the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) lambasted the ministry for previously only backing up 2% of the data affected by the ransomware attack, which impacted the function of over 200 government institutions on the national and regional levels. 

Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi then dropped the bombshell that data backup is merely optional for government institutions. In light of this major cyberattack, though, the ministry is going to pass new regulations mandating data backup.

At any rate, the ministry assured the DPR that no PDN data was leaked, and that all will be recovered by mid-August. Should we make a copy of that statement?

In Other News 

• Immigration authorities nabbed 103 alleged cyber criminals from Malaysia, Taiwan, and China who had set up base at a villa in Bali. They are accused of carrying out cross-border online fraud and skimming in their home countries and beyond. The authorities confiscated some 2,500 electronic devices from the villa.

• Sempurna Pasaribu, a journalist form Karo, North Sumatra, was killed in a house fire along with his wife, child, and grandchild early Thursday morning. Though the cause of the fire has not been officially determined, before his death, Sempurna posted a status on Facebook implying that a military battalion in the region kept a gambling ring open in exchange for protection money.

• A man was found hanging off of an overpass in Bandung, West Java on Friday morning in an apparent suicide. Police say they found what looks like a suicide note and that there were no signs of a struggle, but they also noted that the victim’s eyes and mouth were taped shut.

• Police have arrested five porters in Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin Airport who were accused of pilfering a passenger’s luggage in late May. During a two-hour delay for the passenger’s flight to Jakarta, the porters took her belongings to a secure area, broke into the luggage, and took out around IDR 40 million’s worth in cash and jewelry. 

Business/Economy

• It may feel like we’re past the crypto craze, but in Indonesia it appears to be hitting new heights with transactions this year skyrocketing to IDR 260.9 trillion as of May. That has already surpassed the 2023 total of IDR 149.3 trillion. At the same time, the number of crypto traders in the country dropped to 19.75 million in May 2024 from 20.16 million the previous year.

• Three days until the cut-off date, 73.7 million registered taxpayers have reportedly linked their Single Identity Number (NIK) with their Taxpayer Identity Number (NPWP) as part of the Directorate General of Taxes’ move to streamline tax administration and improve compliance. That amounts to 99.08% of registered taxpayers — those who have yet to integrate their IDs can do so online before June 30. 

• Starbucks Indonesia's top exec at PT MAP Boga Adiperkasa Tbk. opened up about feeling the heat as the boycott of Israeli products ripples through the market. In addition to boycotts, Starbucks has been the subject of protests and vandalism, which are affecting the livelihoods of 6,000 Indonesians employed by the chain.

Everything Else

• Bruno Mars has added another date, September 11, to his Jakarta shows on September 13 and 14. The news comes amid some calls for his boycott over suspicions that the Bruno Mars may be pro-Israel or a zionist due to his enthusiasm at a previous show in Tel Aviv, Israel.

• Indonesian bodybuilder Chris Putra has qualified for a shot to become Mr. Olympia after flexing his way to a gold medal at the 2024 China DMS Pro on June 23. Also a celebrated fitness influencer in Indonesia, Chris Putra will compete in the world’s most prestigious bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas on October 11 and 12.