ASEAN seeks stronger cyber, intelligence cooperation

By Iqbal Musyaffa

SINGAPORE

Countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday discussed strengthening cybersecurity and intelligence security cooperation at the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) council meeting in Singapore.

The meeting was a part of the 33rd ASEAN summit.

Wiranto, Indonesia’s coordinating minister for politics, law and security, who goes by a single name, hailed “extraordinary” technological advances in Southeast Asia, especially related to the use of the Internet, with users reaching 330 million people.

"Meanwhile, the Internet is also used by criminals, including terrorism," he said.

Criminals, he said, often use the Internet for brainwashing, propaganda, training, and funding, making cybersecurity cooperation very important.

ASEAN countries at the meeting shared their experiences dealing with cyber-terrorism.

"Our efforts to fight terrorism and cyber-crime would not be enough if we didn’t stay updated, as the use of the Internet for terrorism continues to grow," he asserted.

In addition, Wiranto said the member countries finalized the “Our Eyes” concept -- a 2017 Indonesian Defense Ministry initiative -- to share intelligence information.

"This concept is a comprehensive cooperative capacity to share intelligence information to face international crimes," he explained.

He added that international crime knows no national borders or laws enforced in one country. Therefore, international crime cannot be faced by the state alone.

Through the concept of Our Eyes, Wiranto said crimes occurring in one country can be known and understood by other countries in Southeast Asia so they can develop better plans and strategies to fight cross-border crimes that target neighboring countries.