Given the logistics and manpower challenges the November simultaneous elections pose, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Hadi Tjahjanto kicked off on Tuesday the first meeting of an inter-ministerial desk on regional elections. This marked the establishment of the desk, consisting of 19 ministries and government bodies working together to help the General Elections Commission (KPU) ensure the organization of the elections goes smoothly.

“[With the formation of the desk], problems that may become obstacles to the coming elections can hopefully be coordinated, addressed and resolved as best as possible,” Hadi said.

Among the desk's four tasks is to ensure a safe and secure cyberspace and deal with cyberattacks on election-related databases in the lead-up to the elections, a role that is led by the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) and the Communications and Information Ministry.

Concerns surrounding cybersecurity grew following a major ransomware attack last month on a temporary national data center, which caused nationwide disruption to public services connected to the server.

Read also: Ransomware attack behind massive disruption to national data center

Another role of the inter-ministerial desk is to ensure the neutrality of civil servants and members of the police and the military during the elections. “We want to make sure that [the upcoming regional elections] will have legitimacy in the eyes of the people,” Hadi said.