SINGAPORE, JurnalPost.com — The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), the rise of ransomware threats, and the emergence of quantum computing technology have become focal points for Southeast Asian nations as they work to strengthen regional digital security. Indonesia is advocating for closer cooperation to address the increasingly complex and cross-border risks of cyberattacks.
These issues were highlighted during the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC) held in Singapore on October 14, 2026. The Head of the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) of the Republic of Indonesia, Nugroho Sulistyo Budi, attended the forum, which is part of the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) 2026 series.
The meeting was chaired by Singapore's Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, and attended by ministers and senior cybersecurity officials from ASEAN member states. Representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN Dialogue Partners were also involved in discussions regarding regional digital security challenges.
Increasingly Complex Cyber Threats
Digital technological developments bring new challenges to information security. The use of AI, for instance, not only opens opportunities to improve cyber defense capabilities but also has the potential to be exploited to develop attack methods that are increasingly difficult to detect.
In addition to AI-based attacks, ASEAN countries are facing issues with ransomware, online fraud, and threats to Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). Disruptions to these systems can impact strategic services that are vital to public activity and the economy.
This situation underscores the need to strengthen coordination among cybersecurity agencies in the region, as attacks on a digital system can have cross-border impacts, especially when technology infrastructure and services are interconnected.
During the meeting, ASEAN nations welcomed the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2026–2030 as a framework to bolster cybersecurity collaboration over the next five years.
This strategy includes enhancing information exchange regarding digital threats, developing human resource and institutional capacity, and strengthening the operations of the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (ASEAN Regional CERT).
Through this mechanism, member states are expected to improve their readiness to detect, anticipate, and handle cybersecurity incidents in a more coordinated manner.
Indonesia Pushes for Incident Response Team Cooperation
BSSN Chief Nugroho Sulistyo Budi emphasized the importance of building collective ASEAN cyber resilience based on the principles of trust, transparency, respect for national sovereignty, and inclusive, results-oriented cooperation.
Indonesia believes that strengthening digital security cannot be achieved by countries acting in isolation. Continuous communication, the exchange of experiences, and the enhancement of technical capabilities are required to ensure the region is prepared to face various forms of attacks.
One of the steps Indonesia is promoting is the strengthening of operational ties between national Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).
Such cooperation is considered vital to accelerate information exchange when threats or incidents arise that could potentially impact more than one country.
Furthermore, strengthening CERTs is expected to help ASEAN nations develop incident handling procedures, improve technical coordination, and expand capabilities in identifying new attack patterns.
Indonesia also prioritizes the protection of critical information infrastructure. Systems that support strategic services require adequate protection to ensure that digital security disruptions do not escalate into broader issues.
Quantum Computing as a New Challenge
Beyond existing cyber threats, the 11th AMCC forum discussed the region's readiness to face quantum computing technology.
This technology is expected to bring major changes to information processing capabilities. However, its development also presents challenges to the cryptographic methods currently used to protect digital communications and data.
Consequently, ASEAN nations have begun to focus on the need for a transition toward Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), a cryptographic technology designed to counter potential threats from quantum computers.
Indonesia is encouraging the exchange of experiences and best practices to help member states prepare for the migration toward cryptographic systems that are better equipped to handle these technological advancements.
This preparation is crucial because changing information security systems requires planning, technical capacity development, and infrastructure adjustments that cannot be accomplished in a short time.
On the other hand, the development of AI also demands an increase in the competence of cybersecurity personnel. The technology continues to change the nature of threats while simultaneously opening opportunities to utilize intelligent systems to support digital defense.
Strengthening International Partnerships
In facing these challenges, Indonesia is also pushing for the expansion of cybersecurity partnerships with ASEAN Dialogue Partners.
Cooperation is not only directed at intergovernmental relations but also involves the technology industry and academia.
The involvement of various stakeholders is necessary to strengthen knowledge exchange, technology development, research, and the enhancement of human resource capabilities in the field of cybersecurity.
This approach is also in line with the principle of ASEAN Centrality, which places ASEAN as the center of coordination in building regional cooperation.
Through its participation in the 11th AMCC, Indonesia seeks to strengthen its role in developing regional digital security policies and mechanisms, while continuing to respect the sovereignty of each member state.
Strengthening CERT cooperation, protecting critical infrastructure, preparing for AI-based attacks, and transitioning to post-quantum cryptography are among the agendas considered increasingly relevant for the future of Southeast Asia's digital security.
Amid the increasing reliance of society and the economic sector on technology, the ability of ASEAN nations to work together in facing cyber threats is a critical factor in maintaining the reliability of digital services in the region.
Source: Legal and Public Communication Bureau, National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN).
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