Jakarta, Indonesia – As the advent of quantum computing promises to revolutionize various sectors, it simultaneously casts a long shadow over the very foundations of global cybersecurity. Recognizing this impending paradigm shift, PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom), the nation’s leading telecommunications company, took a decisive step towards securing Indonesia’s digital future by orchestrating a landmark National Workshop on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). Held in Malang in early July 2026, this pivotal gathering brought together a formidable alliance of government bodies, industry titans, academic institutions, research organizations, and strategic national sectors. The workshop served as a critical forum to forge a unified national strategy, build collective readiness, and fortify Indonesia’s digital security against the unprecedented challenges posed by the quantum era. The initiative comes at a crucial juncture, with nations globally intensifying their anticipatory measures as quantum computing technology rapidly advances. While fully operational quantum computers capable of breaking modern encryption remain largely theoretical for now, the potential threat they represent to current cryptographic standards is undeniable and requires immediate, proactive engagement. The Dawn of Quantum Computing: A Double-Edged Sword for Cybersecurity The emergence of quantum computing marks a profound leap in computational power, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems intractable for even the most powerful classical supercomputers. This revolutionary capability holds immense promise for breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine and materials science to artificial intelligence and financial modeling. However, this same power also presents an existential threat to the cryptographic algorithms that currently secure nearly all digital communication and transactions worldwide. Understanding the Quantum Threat At the heart of the quantum cybersecurity challenge lie specific quantum algorithms, most notably Shor’s algorithm and Grover’s algorithm. Shor’s algorithm, if implemented on a sufficiently powerful quantum computer, could efficiently break widely used public-key cryptographic schemes such as RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography). These algorithms form the bedrock of digital security, underpinning everything from secure web browsing (HTTPS), digital identities, electronic certificates, and secure financial transactions to encrypted communications. Grover’s algorithm, while not breaking these systems entirely, could significantly reduce the effective key length of symmetric-key cryptography and hash functions, making brute-force attacks more feasible. The looming threat is not necessarily immediate but rather a long-term strategic concern. Experts refer to the "harvest now, decrypt later" scenario, where adversaries could collect vast amounts of currently encrypted data, store it, and decrypt it once powerful quantum computers become available. This necessitates a proactive and forward-thinking approach to cryptographic migration, ensuring that sensitive data and critical infrastructure remain secure not just today, but decades into the future. The workshop underscored that while today’s classical computers cannot yet threaten these widespread cryptographic systems, the future potential of quantum technology demands a swift and strategic transition to more resilient alternatives. The Imperative of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), also known as quantum-safe cryptography, refers to a new class of cryptographic algorithms specifically designed to withstand attacks from both classical and future quantum computers. These algorithms are being developed and standardized globally, with initiatives like the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) leading the charge in evaluating and selecting promising candidates. The transition to PQC is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a strategic imperative to ensure the long-term security and trustworthiness of national digital infrastructure. Without it, the integrity of digital services, national security communications, and the entire digital economy could be severely compromised in the quantum era. Telkom’s Vision: Orchestrating a National Response Telkom Indonesia, as a vital enabler of the nation’s digital transformation, has taken a leading role in addressing this critical challenge. The company recognizes that the accelerating pace of digitalization must be matched by an equally robust and forward-looking approach to digital security. Proactive Leadership in Digital Security Seno Soemadji, Director of Strategic Business Development & Portfolio at Telkom, articulated the company’s commitment, stating, "Digital transformation must always go hand in hand with digital security transformation. The higher the level of digitalization, the greater the need to build a security foundation capable of anticipating future threats." He emphasized that "Post-Quantum Cryptography is not just a technological issue; it is a part of national readiness to maintain trust in Indonesia’s digital ecosystem." This perspective positions Telkom not merely as a service provider but as a strategic orchestrator in securing the nation’s digital future. Telkom’s decision to host the workshop reflects its understanding that robust cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, requiring a multi-stakeholder approach. By convening diverse experts and decision-makers, Telkom aims to catalyze a unified national effort, ensuring that Indonesia is not merely a consumer of quantum-safe technologies but an active participant in their development and implementation. Fostering Cross-Ecosystem Synergy Soemadji further elaborated on the necessity for comprehensive collaboration, asserting that preparedness for the quantum era cannot be achieved partially. "Strong synergy is needed in building standards, talent, research, and implementation so that Indonesia has increasingly independent capabilities in safeguarding national data and digital infrastructure security." This holistic approach underscores the need to develop a complete ecosystem that supports PQC, from foundational research and talent cultivation to the establishment of national standards and practical implementation across various sectors. The workshop was designed to be the crucible where these diverse elements could converge, fostering a collaborative environment essential for addressing a challenge of this magnitude. Government’s Stance: Policy, Standards, and Strategic Migration The Indonesian government, through its key agencies, echoed Telkom’s concerns and outlined strategic pathways to tackle the quantum threat, emphasizing the critical role of policy, standards, and a phased migration approach. Komdigi’s Call for Enhanced Understanding and Policy Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), highlighted the paramount importance of enhancing understanding of PQC, particularly among regulators and industry players. He pointed out a significant challenge: "The current challenge is not only developing the technology but also translating concepts that have developed in academia into policies, standards, and implementations that can be widely adopted." Komdigi’s role, therefore, extends beyond mere regulation to facilitating this crucial translation, ensuring that cutting-edge research informs practical policy and widespread adoption across the digital landscape. This involves bridging the gap between theoretical cryptographic advancements and their real-world application in national digital services. BSSN’s Roadmap for Quantum-Resilient Security From the perspective of national cyber and crypto security, Giyanto Awan Sularso, Director of Cyber and Crypto Security Technology Policy at the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), affirmed that preparing for potential threats to cryptographic systems in the quantum computing era must be executed in a structured, phased manner. He outlined a comprehensive framework for migration towards PQC, emphasizing initial steps such as mapping existing cryptographic usage and conducting thorough risk assessments, followed by the development of a detailed migration roadmap. BSSN’s proposed migration framework is designed for meticulous execution, encompassing: Inventory of Cryptographic Assets: Identifying and cataloging all existing cryptographic implementations across government, state-owned enterprises (BUMNs), and strategic sectors. Risk Assessment: Evaluating the specific vulnerabilities of current cryptographic systems to quantum attacks and assessing the potential impact of compromise. Prioritization: Determining which systems and data require the most urgent PQC migration based on criticality and exposure. Migration Planning: Developing detailed plans for implementing PQC, including technological choices, timelines, and resource allocation. Implementation: Executing the migration process, which may involve hardware and software upgrades, and integration with new cryptographic modules. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of the new PQC implementations and adapting strategies as quantum technology evolves. This phased approach is crucial to ensure that the migration process within ministries, agencies, BUMNs, and strategic sectors is conducted measurably, securely, and in alignment with evolving national and international standards. BSSN’s involvement underscores the national security dimension of PQC, making it a top priority for safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive national data. Workshop Highlights: Research, Demonstrations, and Collaborative Outcomes The workshop in Malang was a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange, showcasing cutting-edge research and practical demonstrations that underscored both the urgency and the tangible steps being taken towards PQC implementation. Diverse Participation and Expert Insights The breadth of participation was a testament to the workshop’s national significance. Esteemed figures such as Edwin Hidayat Abdullah (Komdigi), Giyanto Awan Sularso (BSSN), Ricardo Irwan Rei (Managing Director of Strategic Technology Initiatives BPI Danantara), and Seno Soemadji (Telkom) delivered keynote presentations and shared strategic perspectives. Beyond these key figures, the workshop also featured leading experts from a diverse array of institutions, including Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Telkom University, Universitas Pertahanan RI, IBM, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) Republik Indonesia, Peruri, and Universitas Brawijaya. This rich tapestry of expertise ensured a holistic discussion, bridging academic theory with industry practice and regulatory foresight. The contributions from these various sectors provided comprehensive insights into technological advancements, research findings, and initial PQC implementations across different domains. Cutting-Edge Demonstrations and Use Cases A significant feature of the workshop was the presentation of various research outcomes and live demonstrations of PQC implementation. Discussions ranged from the development of "Quantum-Safe QRIS" – a vision for securing Indonesia’s popular Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard payment system against quantum attacks – to simulations of quantum computing’s potential impact and the implementation of hybrid cryptography for digital identity, electronic certificates, and secure communication channels. These demonstrations provided tangible examples of how PQC concepts are being translated into practical applications, illustrating the pathways for securing critical digital services in the quantum age. The emphasis on hybrid cryptography, which combines classical and post-quantum algorithms, reflects a pragmatic approach to transition, offering a layer of security even as PQC standards mature. Key Recommendations for National Preparedness The collaborative forum culminated in a series of vital recommendations aimed at strengthening the national ecosystem’s readiness. These included: Formulation of a National Roadmap: Developing a comprehensive, phased roadmap for Indonesia’s transition to PQC, outlining timelines, responsibilities, and key milestones. Identification of Priority Use Cases: Pinpointing critical areas for early PQC implementation, ensuring that the most vulnerable and sensitive systems are addressed first. Development of Pilot Projects: Launching experimental PQC implementations in selected sectors to gain practical experience, identify challenges, and refine strategies before broader rollout. Strengthening Collaborative Research and Talent Development: Investing in joint research initiatives between academia, industry, and government, alongside programs to cultivate a skilled workforce in advanced cryptography and quantum security. Several areas were identified as particularly potent for initial implementation, reflecting their criticality to national security and economic stability. These include: the protection of digital communications, financial services, digital identity platforms, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity systems, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Hardware Security Modules (HSM), and critical public service systems and strategic digital infrastructure. Targeting these areas first will provide crucial insights and build national capacity for a wider PQC rollout. Implications for Indonesia’s Digital Future The PQC workshop initiated by Telkom marks a critical inflection point for Indonesia, signaling a proactive and comprehensive approach to future-proofing its digital landscape. The implications of this collaborative effort extend far beyond mere technological upgrades. Bolstering National Digital Resilience By embracing PQC, Indonesia is moving beyond reactive cybersecurity measures to build truly future-proof defenses. This strategic foresight ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical national data and infrastructure against threats that are yet to fully materialize but are scientifically plausible. It’s about designing security systems that are resilient to the computational power of tomorrow, safeguarding national sovereignty in the digital realm. Enhancing Trust and Economic Growth A robust quantum-safe digital infrastructure is paramount for maintaining public and investor confidence in Indonesia’s burgeoning digital economy. Secure digital services foster trust, encouraging greater participation in online transactions, e-government services, and digital innovation. This proactive security posture will directly support sustained economic growth, making Indonesia an attractive and reliable environment for digital business and investment. Fostering Innovation and Self-Reliance The emphasis on collaborative research, talent development, and pilot projects will stimulate domestic innovation in quantum-safe technologies. This will reduce Indonesia’s reliance on foreign solutions, strengthening its technological sovereignty and building indigenous capabilities in a cutting-edge field. Developing a skilled workforce in advanced cryptography and quantum security will create new opportunities and position Indonesia at the forefront of this critical technological frontier. Setting a Regional Precedent Indonesia’s proactive stance in addressing the quantum threat positions it as a leader in Southeast Asia for quantum readiness. This foresight can serve as a model for other nations in the region, potentially fostering broader regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in the pursuit of quantum-safe digital ecosystems. In conclusion, Telkom Indonesia’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Workshop represents more than just a gathering of experts; it is a seminal moment in Indonesia’s journey towards a secure and resilient digital future. Through orchestrating this powerful collaboration across government, industry, and academia, Telkom is driving the realization of a digital ecosystem that is not only robust and trustworthy but also strategically prepared to face the unprecedented challenges of the quantum computing era, thereby ensuring the sustainable advancement of national digital transformation. The journey to a quantum-safe Indonesia has begun, marked by synergy, foresight, and a shared commitment to national digital security. Post navigation Video Lama Pacar Lamine Yamal Viral, Lebih Pilih Bellingham
