Request for Personal Data Transfer in the Indonesia-US Trade Agreement Becomes a Turning Point for National Data Protection
While data protection is still often overlooked by many local businesses, this news came like an emergency siren: U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly requested access to Indonesian citizens’ data as part of trade negotiations. The Indonesian government immediately prepared — the National Digital Committee targets the establishment of a Data Referee by August 2025.
But the question is, how seriously should we take this issue? Is this just a global political maneuver, or a strong signal that personal data is no longer just files on a server but a strategic asset for the country and business?
Data in Trade Negotiations: Facts and Context
In July 2025, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump announced a reciprocal tariff agreement framework with Indonesia, which includes a key point: the legal transfer of Indonesian Citizens Data to the United States. This agreement is part of a negotiation package aimed at removing digital trade barriers and reducing import tariffs but has raised wide concerns about personal data security.
In an official statement, Indonesia affirmed that data transfers will be conducted with national legal protections according to the Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 27/2022), effective October 2024. However, the national data supervisory authority (Data Referee) has not yet been established, although the National Digital Committee targets its formation by August 2025 to ensure secure and standardized data governance.
Is This a Real Threat?
The U.S. request can be seen as part of a global economic geopolitical strategy that treats data as a highly valuable commodity. Personal data of citizens becomes a crucial asset for technology companies and national security.
Observers warn that official access to Indonesian citizens’ data by the U.S. poses risks of leaks, misuse, and dependency that could threaten Indonesia’s digital sovereignty. Digital experts caution that without strong regulation and oversight, data meant to be protected could be exploited for foreign interests.
On the other hand, the government states it will push for the implementation of legitimate and transparent data protection protocols so cross-border data transfers remain within legal boundaries and receive the best security.
Role of Data Referee and National Regulation
The establishment of the Data Referee (Personal Data Protection Authority) is expected to serve as an independent supervisory body that regulates, monitors, and enforces personal data protection rules in Indonesia. With the Data Referee, cross-border data transfers no longer occur unilaterally but are guided by clear agreements and regulations.
The Personal Data Protection Law provides a legal framework ensuring every data transfer meets minimum protection standards equivalent to this law and includes the data subject’s consent. National regulators commit to accelerating the Data Referee’s formation so Indonesia can be more independent and transparent in facing global digital challenges.
Implications for Businesses and Society
Personal data now changes status from mere information to a strategic asset with economic and security value. Local businesses must understand that data protection is no longer just formal compliance but a continuous necessity to maintain reputation and consumer trust.
Implementing digital trust technologies such as e-KYC, digital signatures, and real-time monitoring is key to ensuring customer data can be managed and exchanged securely. Solutions like those offered by Beeza help businesses ensure high-quality verification and data protection without sacrificing efficiency.
Conclusion
President Donald Trump’s request for access to Indonesian citizens’ data as part of a trade deal is not just a political issue but an important signal that personal data has become a strategic asset for the nation and business in the digital era. Indonesia faces a major challenge in responding with strong regulations and oversight, including through establishing the Data Referee. Meanwhile, businesses and society must raise awareness and adopt advanced digital security technologies to safeguard and empower data.
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