Knowledge

In today’s digital era, personal data has become both a valuable asset and a potential source of risk for organizations. Every online interaction, business transaction, and public service generates data trails that must be properly managed. However, the rising number of data breaches and misuse of personal information has made the public increasingly critical of how companies protect their privacy.

Indonesia has enacted  Undang-Undang Nomor 27 Tahun 2022 tentang Perlindungan Data Pribadi (UU PDP), which requires every data controller and processor to ensure the security and governance of personal data comprehensively. With this regulation in place, organizations can no longer take privacy lightly, as non-compliance may result in administrative or even criminal sanctions.

In this context, international standards such as ISO/IEC 27701:2025 emerge as a new pillar of privacy governance, helping organizations meet legal obligations while strengthening public trust.

 

What is ISO/IEC 27701:2025?

ISO/IEC 27701 is an international standard for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It provides a structured framework for organizations to manage personally identifiable information (PII) effectively, securely, and transparently.

The first edition, ISO/IEC 27701:2019, was published as an extension of ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002. This meant that only organizations already certified under ISO/IEC 27001 could obtain ISO/IEC 27701 certification.

However, the latest version, ISO/IEC 27701:2025, introduces fundamental changes:

1. It stands as a standalone standard. Organizations are no longer required to have ISO/IEC 27001 certification before being certified under ISO/IEC 27701.

2. It adopts the High-Level Structure (HLS). This aligns it with other ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 20000-1, and the latest ISO/IEC 27001.

3. It emphasizes more comprehensive requirements. All clauses from 4–10 are mandatory, making PIMS a complete management system rather than a supplementary guide.

With these characteristics, ISO/IEC 27701:2025 becomes more inclusive and adaptable for various types of organizations—technology companies, financial institutions, educational bodies, and public sector entities alike.

Why is ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Important in the Era of the PDP Law?

Indonesia’s PDP Law imposes strict obligations on organizations that handle personal data—from obtaining valid consent and ensuring data security to providing access, correction, and deletion rights for data subjects.

ISO/IEC 27701:2025 aligns with these requirements. The standard helps organizations to:

• Translate regulations into practical implementation. For example, documenting data collection flows, assessing privacy risks, and defining data deletion procedures.

• Build compliance evidence. ISO/IEC 27701:2025 certification serves as tangible proof of an organization’s commitment to adhering to the PDP Law.

• Reduce the risk of legal penalties. With well-documented privacy governance, organizations have protection in case of audits or investigations.

In essence, the standard is not just about “following the rules,” but about strengthening the foundation of long-term privacy governance.

Benefits of Implementing ISO/IEC 27701:2025

1. Legal Certainty

Organizations that implement this standard have clear guidelines for meeting the PDP Law’s requirements, minimizing risks of misinterpretation or non-compliance that could lead to sanctions.

2. Public Trust

In business, trust is currency. When customers are confident their data is handled securely, organizational reputation and loyalty increase.

3. Operational Efficiency

ISO/IEC 27701:2025 encourages organizations to establish policies, procedures, and responsibilities systematically. This results in more structured, efficient, and accountable data management.

4. Market Competitiveness

Privacy certification adds value in a competitive business environment. Many global enterprises now only partner with organizations certified under international standards.

Strategic Steps Toward Implementation

1. Top Management Commitment – Privacy cannot be the sole responsibility of IT or legal teams; it requires full leadership support.

2. Gap Analysis – Compare current practices against ISO/IEC 27701:2025 requirements and the PDP Law to identify areas for improvement.

3. Develop PIMS Policies & Procedures – Define how data is collected, stored, used, shared, and deleted.

4. Training & Awareness – Ensure employees understand their roles in maintaining privacy.

5. Internal Audit & Certification – Conduct regular evaluations and prepare for formal certification to obtain official recognition.

ISO/IEC 27701:2025 arrives at the perfect time to address the challenges of modern data protection. It is not merely about regulatory compliance, but also about demonstrating commitment to ethics, transparency, and information security.

For organizations in Indonesia, adopting ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is a strategic move to ensure compliance with the UU PDP while fostering the public trust that is increasingly vital in the digital age.

---

FAQ

1. Is every organization required to have ISO/IEC 27701:2025?
   Not legally required, but highly recommended. The PDP Law does not specify particular standards, yet ISO 27701 certification serves as strong evidence of compliance and accountability in managing personal data.
2. Is ISO/IEC 27701:2025 only for technology companies?
   No. The standard is relevant for any organization that processes personal data—including banks, hospitals, universities, and government agencies.
3. How long does implementation take?
   It depends on the organization’s complexity and system readiness. Typically, the process takes 6–8 months, including training, documentation, and auditing.
4. Is ISO/IEC 27001 required before implementing ISO/IEC 27701:2025?
   No. The 2025 version is stand-alone, meaning it can be adopted directly without prior ISO 27001 certification.
5. How does ISO/IEC 27701 relate to the PDP Law?
   They complement each other: the PDP Law defines legal obligations, while ISO/IEC 27701 provides a practical framework for fulfilling them.