-
- |
-
Makassar Smart City: Challenges and Data Security in the Digital Era
Makassar Smart City: Challenges and Data Security in the Digital Era
As one of the largest metropolitan cities in Eastern Indonesia, Makassar has demonstrated great ambition in adopting the Smart City concept. This program aims to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) across various aspects of governance and public services—ranging from smart transportation and disaster management to digital health and education services. This vision promises increased efficiency, transparency, and quality of life for its citizens.
However, the massive implementation of Smart City initiatives also brings complex challenges, particularly in managing and protecting the massive volume of data generated by the digital interactions of its residents.
Makassar Smart City Pillars and Challenges
The execution of the Smart City program in Makassar involves developing digital infrastructure and interconnected service platforms:
1. Data Integration and Service Cohesion
-
Challenge: Integrating data from various sectors (Population Registry, Transportation Agency, Health Department, etc.) is often hampered by data silos, format differences, and legacy systems that are difficult to unify. This data cohesion is essential for the Smart City's artificial intelligence (AI) systems to operate optimally.
2. Digital Divide and Citizen Literacy
-
Challenge: Although infrastructure may be available, not all segments of society have equal access to technology or adequate digital literacy. The Smart City program must be inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of technology are also realized by digitally less-savvy citizens.
3. Sustainability and Budget
-
Challenge: ICT projects require massive investment in continuous maintenance and technology updates. Ensuring stable budget allocation and avoiding dependence on specific vendors are key to long-term success.
🔒 Data Security: A Critical Threat Amidst Development
The most crucial issue in the Smart City program is data security and privacy. When a city becomes smart, it also becomes a larger, more valuable target for cyber criminals.
-
Giant Data Footprint: IoT sensors, surveillance cameras, and public service applications collect citizens' location data, habits, and even biometrics. If these systems are breached, this sensitive information will be exposed.
-
Ransomware Targets: Smart City control systems (such as traffic management or water utilities) are easy targets for ransomware. A successful attack can cripple city functions and force ransom payment.
-
PDP Law Compliance: Smart City implementation in Indonesia must be fully compliant with the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP). The City Government must ensure the existence of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and transparent, secure data handling mechanisms.
Strategic Data Security Measures
To maintain public trust and ensure the sustainability of the Smart City, Makassar needs to strengthen three main security aspects:
-
Network Segmentation and OT Security: Separating networks managing critical operations (OT) from ordinary IT networks to prevent cyber attacks from spreading to physical infrastructure.
-
Routine Security Audits: Conducting regular penetration tests and data security audits, especially on new platforms before they are launched to the public.
-
Citizen and Employee Education: Increasing cyber literacy for both government employees who manage data and citizens who use digital services, to prevent phishing and access errors.
Makassar Smart City is a vision of the future, but that future must be built upon a foundation of robust cyber security and data protection.
Popular article
Need Any Technology Solution
Let’s Work Together on Project
