Indonesia’s Presidential Communication Office (PCO) has responded to concerns about the transfer of personal data to the United States as part of a trade agreement.

PCO head Hasan Nasbi confirmed that any data exchange will comply with Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law.

“We will only exchange data with countries that can ensure the protection of personal data,” Hasan stated on July 23 at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

He clarified that the data transfer is intended for trade-related purposes, specifically to monitor commodities that may pose risks of misuse.

For instance, certain chemicals could be used as fertilizers or in the production of explosives.

Hasan noted that data sharing will be limited to identifying the parties involved in transactions and will not involve broader data management.

“This is purely commercial and does not involve managing others’ data,” he highlighted.

Minister of Communication and Informatics Meutya Hafid indicated that further coordination with Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto is planned to define the specifics of the agreement.

“We will coordinate tomorrow, and there may be a statement afterward,” Meutya said. Further details on the agreement are pending as discussions continue.