West Sumatra Hit by 40,000 Cyberattacks: Provincial Government Prepares to Relocate Data Center to a Secure Zone
Berita Utama Rina Yuli Hefni, S.ST.(DINAS KOMUNIKASI, INFORMATIKA DAN STATISTIK) 21 Oktober 2026 10:45:39 WIB
BUKITTINGGI - The West Sumatra Provincial Government continues to strengthen its cyber defenses and the resilience of its information infrastructure in the face of significant threats within the digital realm. This strategic initiative was emphasized during a coordination meeting on the security of local government information infrastructure and systems—involving stakeholders from across West Sumatra—held at the Bung Hatta Hall in Bukittinggi City on Tuesday (October 20, 2026).
In his opening remarks, the Head of the Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Office (Dinas Kominfotik), Rudy Rinaldy, noted that West Sumatra had faced over 40,000 cyberattacks by mid-2026. This situation serves as a serious warning for the local government to bolster its information security systems, anticipate disruptions to digital services, and ensure that public data remains protected.
“The war today is no longer merely a face-to-face physical confrontation. We are also facing cyber war, which has the potential to disrupt—or even cripple—vital public service sectors,” asserted Rudy.
To address this threat, the West Sumatra Provincial Government is strengthening its collaboration with the Association of Provincial Communication and Information Offices (Askompsi) and PT LSware Teknologi Indonesia, led by its President Director, Mr. Kim Man Sun.
This partnership is aimed at adopting expertise and cybersecurity technologies—including those from South Korea, a nation that frequently contends with intense digital attacks. Rudy noted that South Korea’s experience serves as a key reference for building a more robust cyber defense system in West Sumatra.
“South Korea faces daily cyberattacks from North Korea, yet they remain resilient thanks to their mastery of high-end technology. Their experience and technology offer valuable lessons for us as we work to bolster cybersecurity in West Sumatra,” he said.
Currently, the West Sumatra Provincial Government has implemented OmniGuard and SecuMS technologies to help detect threats and protect the local government’s systems and data.
However, according to Rudy, cybersecurity should not be the sole responsibility of the Department of Communication, Informatics, and Statistics (Diskominfotik). Security systems must be extended to all service units that manage critical data, including hospitals and regional financial institutions such as Bank Nagari.
"Information security must be a shared responsibility. Patient medical records, financial information, and the public's personal data must be safeguarded by adequate security systems. We must ensure that security measures are not concentrated solely within the Department of Communication, Informatics, and Statistics," he asserted.
Beyond cyber threats, West Sumatra also faces geographical challenges, specifically the potential for natural disasters. A primary concern is the current location of the West Sumatra Diskominfotik office, which sits within a "red zone"—an area highly vulnerable to tsunamis, according to the Padang Consensus disaster risk map.
To mitigate the risk of disruptions to digital government systems, the West Sumatra Provincial Government plans to relocate its data center to a safer area (green zone). The proposed site is within the office complex of the Department of Plantation, Food Crops, and Horticulture in the Cengkeh area of Padang City. The full design phase is targeted for completion by 2027, while construction is planned to commence in stages between 2027 and 2028.
Rudy emphasized that the continuity of government digital services must be prepared with careful consideration of various risks, including natural disasters that could potentially disrupt information technology infrastructure.
“Data security goes beyond merely fending off cyberattacks. We must also ensure that data centers are located in areas safe from disaster risks. We cannot allow a situation where a disaster leads to the collapse of the digital government system,” he stated.
He further urged regency and municipal governments in disaster-prone areas—such as Tanah Datar, Agam, and Pesisir Selatan—to begin incorporating disaster risks into their digital infrastructure planning.
According to him, a risk-forecasting approach should be applied to determine the location of data centers, prepare mitigation measures, and ensure the continuity of government services in the event of an emergency.
The coordination meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the strengthening of information security goes hand in hand with improving the quality of public services. In Rudy’s view, strengthening information security, maintaining disaster preparedness, and undergoing digital transformation are integral components of building reliable public services.
“Digital transformation is not merely about providing services electronically. The systems must be secure, data must be protected, and services must remain operational whenever the public needs them. That is what we must ensure together,” he concluded.
By strengthening cyber defenses, planning the relocation of data centers, and improving the governance of digital services, the West Sumatra Provincial Government aims to build a more resilient and secure government infrastructure capable of ensuring the continuity of services to the public. (DiskominfotikSumbar)