Cybersecurity and financial problems are the two main issues that are most worried about by the Indonesian people amidst the increasingly rapid digitalization, a survey reveals.
Results of the survey titled: “Navigating Economic and Security Challenges in 2025”, released by Populix revealed that 67 percent of respondents are worried about cybersecurity threats, while 49 percent are worried about financial stability.
Populix Co-Founder and CEO, Timothy Astandu, cited that the increasing cyber threats caused by data breaches and hacking are often exacerbated by the lack of resources and knowledge of the public regarding digital security.
“The increasing cyber threats are clear evidence that having strong security is of utmost importance. Data breaches and hacking are the main triggers, but public awareness is still la king,” Timothy told a press conference unveiling the results of the survey on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
The survey was based on qualitative research through focus group discussions and quantitative surveys of 1,190 respondents nationwide throughout 2024, involving participation from the middle to upper economic classes with a balanced gender division.
Quoting the survey data, Timothy revealed that the public has started to understand various forms of cyber threats, such as viruses (82 percent), phishing emails (75 percent), digital pornography (65 percent), cyberbullying (63 percent), spyware (60 percent), ransomware (55 percent), and trojans (54 percent). However, this understanding is still not enough to protect them from digital security risks.
“The government and the private sector need to be present to provide education and cybersecurity solutions that are easily accessible and applicable by the public,” he said.
Challenges
In addition to cybersecurity, the report also highlights challenges in economic security. As many as 49 percent of respondents expressed concern about their inability to maintain financial stability amid rising living costs and consumption pressures due to the ease of online shopping.
“Financial disruptions, such as job loss or decreased purchasing power, are a serious threat to people’s economic conditions. Government measures are needed to maintain economic stability so that these concerns can be minimized,” Timothy said.
He also emphasized the importance of workforce upskilling initiatives to face the challenges of technology and automation that are changing the traditional job landscape.
“Through this forum, we will explore how these evolving dynamics will impact various industry sectors, as well as how businesses can respond to changing consumer needs. By focusing on solutions such as cybersecurity, workforce upskilling, and digital services, we can create a safer and more sustainable future,” the Populix CEO concluded.
