Jakarta, Voicejogja.com – As digital activities become inseparable from daily life, the threat of cybercrime is no longer a distant concern. From financial transactions to public services, the risks of data breaches and fraud have become a tangible reality for everyone, including the tech-savvy community in Yogyakarta.
In response to this growing threat, the strategy for handling cybercrime is shifting. It is no longer just about apprehending the perpetrators; the focus is now on ensuring that public losses are recovered and the financial system remains secure.
The New Direction in Combating Cybercrime
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, emphasized that asset recovery must be the primary focus in handling cybercrime.
According to him, the success of law enforcement is no longer measured solely by the number of cases processed. Instead, the state must be capable of cutting off criminal financial flows and returning losses suffered by both the public and the state.
“Success is not measured by the volume of cases, but by how far we can recover state assets, disrupt criminal funding, and maintain the integrity of the national financial system,” he stated.
The Complexity of Modern Digital Crime
The cross-border, anonymous, and rapid nature of cybercrime poses a significant challenge for law enforcement. In many instances, the proceeds of crime can be traced, yet the perpetrators are often difficult to bring to justice due to jurisdictional hurdles.
This reality makes tracking financial flows increasingly critical. This “follow the money” approach is deemed effective in uncovering criminal footprints while providing a real opportunity to restore losses. Data from the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) shows that from June 2024 through the first quarter of 2026, at least 21 major financial sector crimes occurred with losses reaching approximately IDR 1.52 trillion ($95 million USD). These cases span various sectors, from banking to security firms.
Legal Instruments and Public Rights Protection
To face these complexities, the use of non-conviction-based asset forfeiture (civil asset forfeiture) has emerged as a vital approach. This instrument allows the state to reclaim criminal assets without waiting for a final criminal conviction against the perpetrator.
However, its implementation must remain within legal corridors and guarantee the protection of human rights. The principle of due process of law remains an inseparable part of every law enforcement step. The strengthening of anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) regimes is also supported by international conventions ratified by Indonesia, serving as a foundation in facing modern crime.
Relevance to the Future of the Digital Economy
In a broader context, strengthening the handling of cybercrime is essential for the sustainability of Indonesia’s digital economy. A secure and trusted financial system is the foundation for economic growth, especially for businesses and residents in Yogyakarta who increasingly rely on digital services.
The integration of digital economic development, legal certainty, and public protection is the way forward. This approach is expected to answer the evolving challenges of cybercrime while maintaining public trust in the financial system.(Oi)
