The advancement of the digital era has profoundly transformed the way people live, interact, work, and participate in economic activities. Despite the convenience and opportunities offered by digital capitalism, significant challenges and social dynamics continue to emerge alongside the rapid expansion of technology. Digital trade, cross-border data flows (CBDF), artificial intelligence (AI), and the growing dominance of Big Tech corporations have become central arenas of political and economic contestation that transcend national borders.
The Indonesian Digital Sovereignty Bulletin, published by Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ), is intended as an effort to document, reflect upon, and critically examine developments in global digital trade policies between 2022 and 2026. Through a collection of articles, publications, and policy monitoring reports, this bulletin seeks to demonstrate that digital issues cannot be viewed merely as technical matters. Rather, they encompass urgent concerns related to the protection of citizens’ rights and personal data, digital data governance, digital economic justice, and the future of national economic development.
The articles featured in this bulletin examine a range of strategic issues in digital trade, including the liberalization of digital trade under the Indonesia–European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA), the WTO E-Commerce Moratorium, the growing threat of digital monopolies by Big Tech corporations, and the implications of international trade policies for Indonesia’s data sovereignty.
Through this publication, IGJ invites readers to take a more critical view of developments in international digital trade, particularly the impact of digital trade agreements on Indonesia. Debates surrounding data sovereignty and data protection are not merely technical issues; rather, they reflect broader questions about which actors have the power to control data, who ultimately benefits from digital trade agreements, and how states can ensure that digital transformation advances in accordance with the principles of justice, democratic governance, and the public interest.
Finally, we hope that this bulletin will serve as a valuable source of information, reference, and reflection for academics, policymakers, civil society organizations, students, and the wider public affected by developments in digital trade and personal data protection.
“Indonesia should not be reduced to a mere market and data provider for the global digital economy. Instead, it must assert its position as a sovereign actor with the capacity to shape and govern its own digital future.“
Editor: Indonesia for Global Justice 2026