Blaine Gernandizo

Professor Woodbury

CYSE 201S

30 September 2025

Review of “Preventing and Combating Cybercrime in Indonesia”

The escalating threat of cybercrime presents a complex social problem that demands analysis through the lens of social science. With the article, “Preventing and Combating Cybercrime in Indonesia,” we can examine several core principles of social science. It demonstrates Empiricism by collecting and analyzing legal documents and academic literature, which is secondary data, rather than solely relying on primary empirical investigation like surveys or interviews as its evidential base. It demonstrates Relativism by acknowledging that the effectiveness of their legal frameworks cannot be universally judged but must be understood relative to Indonesia’s unique cultural landscape. The study also touches upon Determinism by arguing that Indonesia’s rapid technological advancement and increased connectivity (cause) have deterministically led to a rise in cybercriminal activities (effect).

The article seeks to answer the central question: How effective are Indonesia’s existing legal frameworks and strategies in preventing and combating cybercrime? The underlying premise is that despite established laws, significant challenges in enforcement and public awareness undermine national cybersecurity. To address this, the author employs a normative qualitative research method. The data comprises primary sources, including diverse laws, regulations, and court cases related to cybercrimes in Indonesia. Secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, and literature reviews, were also used to identify prevailing legal themes. Online platforms like West Law, JSTOR, Lexis, and Wiley Online were used to gain further insights. Content analysis was employed to systematically analyze and interpret the data obtained.

The article’s acknowledgment of “vulnerable populations” remains superficial, failing to analyze the sociological dynamics of cyber victimization. For instance, women and minorities often experience targeted cyber precipitation, where their online presence is used to justify gender-based violence, doxing, and organized harassment. Furthermore, human error, often stemming from a digital literacy gap, disproportionately impacts low-income communities. Their limited access to cybersecurity education makes them more susceptible to phishing scams and financial fraud, transforming a simple mistake into a catastrophic economic loss. These are critical social and behavioral factors that shape real-world risk.

“Preventing and Combating Cybercrime in Indonesia” serves as a foundational resource for policymakers, offering a clear-eyed assessment of the legal landscape and its enforcement gaps. By systematically mapping the terrain between law and digital crime, the article establishes an evidence-based platform for public discourse and legislative reform, thereby making a valuable contribution toward securing Indonesia’s digital future.

References:

Preventing and Combating Cybercrime in Indonesia. (2023). International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 17(1 January-June 2023). https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/view/225/87