Modern warfare is no longer about physical military power but rather information warfare. Intelligence is crucial in modern conflicts, serving as the backbone of every strategic movement. This makes public information disclosure and personal data protection essential to understand.

This statement was delivered by Dr. Ir. Donny Yoesgiantoro, MM., MPA., Chairman of the Central Information Commission of the Republic of Indonesia, during a public lecture on Integrated Personality Development (MPKT) at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI). The lecture took place on Friday, April 26, 2024, in the EDISI 2020 Auditorium, Building M, FIA UI, Depok.

In his presentation, Dr. Donny defined public information as any information produced, stored, managed, sent, or received by a public body related to the administration of the state and public institutions. This definition aligns with Law No. 14/2008 on Public Information Disclosure (KIP) and includes information relevant to the public interest.

Dr. Donny also elaborated on the legal framework for personal data protection, explaining to the audience the necessity of an independent Personal Data Protection (PDP) authority. Such an authority should have powers for investigation, monitoring, corrective actions, advisory roles, coordination, negotiation, and other functions related to personal data protection.

According to Dr. Donny, several challenges remain in achieving public information transparency. These include the mindset of some public institution leaders who do not see transparency as a priority and the lack of commitment to fulfilling public information disclosure obligations. Additionally, there are issues with the internal coordination of Information and Documentation Management Officers (PPID) within public bodies.

He also pointed out that public information transparency has not yet become a cultural norm among the public, regulatory support for strengthening the PPID’s role is still lacking, and there are budgetary constraints that hinder capacity-building efforts for public information disclosure.

To address these issues, Dr. Donny proposed several innovative solutions to improve information services. These include expanding internet access, encouraging public participation through social media, websites, and applications, and maintaining active digital presence to make information more accessible. He also emphasized the importance of increasing website visits and ensuring proactive public engagement.

Another critical step, according to Dr. Donny, is to simplify internal coordination to improve responses to external communication dynamics. This involves enhancing crisis communication management, monitoring public responses, and fostering collaboration opportunities with other institutions to improve information dissemination.

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Chandra Wijaya, M.Si., M.M., Dean of FIA UI, stressed the importance of public information disclosure (KIP) and personal data protection (PDP) for the general public, particularly for MPKT students. He explained that the MPKT course was specifically designed by Universitas Indonesia to equip students with critical thinking, philosophical reasoning, logic, creativity, and innovation. The course also encourages intellectual curiosity grounded in the Indonesian national ideology, Pancasila.

According to Prof. Chandra, part of this initiative involves preparing students to evaluate technological advancements from Industry 4.0 and apply them responsibly in their academic fields while adhering to philosophical, logical, and ethical principles.

“This lecture aligns with the core themes of our curriculum. Given the rapid advancement of information and communication technologies in Industry 4.0, it is crucial for all students to understand public information disclosure and personal data protection. We hope this public lecture will make our students more aware and knowledgeable about these vital issues,” Prof. Chandra stated.

The lecture, moderated by Dr. Adiwarman, S.H., M.H., was attended by 570 students enrolled in the MPKT course at FIA UI.