KPU Seeks Government`s Support to Enhance Information Technology
The General Election Commission (KPU) has sought the government`s support to improve its information technology ahead of the general election in 2019.
“The KPU has faced bigger, varied, and more complicated challenges. We conveyed that we cannot address them alone, but we need support from government institutions, with expertise in this sector,” KPU Chief Arief Budiman stated here on Wednesday.
Budiman and some KPU commissioners — Ilham Saputra, Evi Novida Ginting Manik, Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi, Hasyim Asy`ari, and Virdan — held a meeting with President Joko Widodo.
“We have reported some problems that might hinder implementation of Law No. 7 of 2017, such as the requirement for voters to have e-ID, while the process to issue them has not been completed. We still have time until December 2018, and we need public support,” he stated.
In response to the demand, Budiman remarked that the president had expressed his commitment to lending support in the areas of human resources and budget as well as cooperation with some institutions.
“The KPU has limited human resources, while the working load for information technology has increased. We have discussed the problem with some related ministries, and they have agreed to provide support in the areas of human resources and infrastructure,” he remarked.
According to Budiman, the president has reiterated his commitment to accelerating the development of infrastructure for the commission.
The commission`s website was earlier reportedly hacked, and it had affected the simultaneous election quick count data in some regions.
“Development of information technology is already in our roadmap ahead of the 2019 (general election). In fact, we were stopped in the middle of the road and asked for support to speed up the process,” Budiman stated.
The KPU has also called on the government to accelerate the disbursement of budget for the development of its information technology, so it could be prepared earlier.
“We will hold a meeting with the Communication and Informatics Ministry, the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), and the police`s cyber crime unit to discuss issues related to security, networks, and others,” he added.
The KPU has prepared a police report on the hacking of its websites and called on the police to arrest the perpetrator.
“It did not affect the substance of the election process. However, it has disturbed the quick distribution of information to the public. The faster we can do our job, with transparency and accuracy, the greater will be the public`s confidence on us,” he added.
courtesy :antaranews.com
photo : Nasional Tempo.co
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