The Secretary of Indonesia University of Education (UPI), Prof. Dr. H. Memen Kustiawan, SE., M.Si., M.H., Ak., CA., CPA., highlighted that the internet offers various conveniences and speed in providing information. However, behind all of this, the Directorate General of Applications and Informatics (Aptika) of the Ministry of Communication and Information encourages the public to understand the importance of protecting their personal data due to the numerous cases of personal data theft for the benefit of irresponsible parties.

Therefore, in carrying out public service activities, we, as data owners, must protect our personal data to avoid data theft amidst the rapid digital disruption era, which is widespread today.

He emphasized, “Personal data should be protected to prevent cybercrimes, including Gender-Based Online Violence (GBOV). This is done to prevent the misuse of personal data by irresponsible parties, thus avoiding potential damage to one’s reputation.”

Prof. Memen stated that although it may seem trivial, this is a fundamental human right. Citing various sources, it is said that personal data is a fundamental right and privacy included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 Article 12 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966 Article 17. Personal data is a valuable asset in the era of big data and digital economy.

Based on this, the Socialization of Disability-Friendly Services and Personal Data Protection Seminar for 2023 is held to provide understanding to all parties. This event was attended by UPI’s academic community and took place at the 10th-floor Auditorium of the Faculty of Education Sciences (FIP) UPI, located at Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229 Bandung on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Many have discussed this, he said. In general, personal data is sensitive, and thus, it requires special protection as it relates to religion/belief, health, physical and mental conditions, sexual life, personal financial data, and other personal data that may jeopardize and harm the data subject’s privacy.

Meanwhile, this seminar also discussed disability-friendly services, as stipulated in the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 25 of 2009 concerning Public Services. This law provides legal certainty in the relationship between the public and service providers in public services. Public service providers are obliged to provide special treatment to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.

“In enhancing inclusive public services, it is required to have principles of availability, non-discriminatory accessibility, acceptability in accordance with culture, and equal quality,” he explained.

For UPI, the infrastructure in each of its faculties is already moving towards disability-friendly services. Guiding blocks for the visually impaired are installed in every building, as well as other facilities such as special parking areas, handrails, special lifts, and easily accessible entrances, especially for wheelchair users with smooth pathways.