Which Certification Authorities (PSrE) are recognized by KOMINFO?

Understanding Electronic Signatures in Indonesia

Indonesia’s digital economy is rapidly expanding, with electronic signatures playing a pivotal role in streamlining business processes. As businesses navigate compliance requirements, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential for seamless operations.

Indonesia’s Electronic Signature Regulations

Indonesia’s framework for electronic signatures is governed by Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (UU ITE), amended by Law No. 19 of 2016. This legislation recognizes electronic signatures as legally binding equivalents to handwritten ones, provided they meet specific security and authenticity standards. The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (KOMINFO) oversees the implementation, ensuring that digital transactions align with national data protection and cybersecurity policies.

Key aspects of the law include:

• Qualified Electronic Signatures (Tanda Tangan Elektronik Berkualifikasi or TTEB): These require certification from authorized bodies and use asymmetric cryptography for verification.
• Uncertified Electronic Signatures: Simpler forms are valid for low-risk transactions but lack the robustness for high-stakes agreements.
• Compliance with Government Regulation No. 71 of 2019 on Electronic Systems and Transactions, which mandates data localization and interoperability with national ID systems like the Single Identity Number (NIK).

The law emphasizes non-repudiation, integrity, and authentication, making certified signatures crucial for sectors like finance, real estate, and e-commerce. Businesses operating in Indonesia must ensure their e-signature providers comply to avoid legal challenges, with penalties for non-compliance including fines up to IDR 1 billion or imprisonment.

Recognized Certification Authorities (PSrE) by KOMINFO

KOMINFO maintains a registry of Penyelenggara Sertifikasi Elektronik (PSrE), or Electronic Certification Service Providers, responsible for issuing digital certificates that enable qualified electronic signatures. These authorities undergo rigorous audits to ensure they meet ISO 27001 standards for information security and adhere to UU ITE requirements.

As of 2025, KOMINFO recognizes several PSrE entities, focusing on both domestic and international providers with local operations. The list is periodically updated via official gazettes and the ministry’s portal. Here’s a breakdown of key recognized PSrE:

Domestic PSrE

• Balai Sertifikasi Elektronik (BSrE): Operated under the Ministry of Defense, BSrE provides government-grade certificates for public sector use. It supports integration with national infrastructure like the Electronic Government System (SPBE).
• PT Identifikasi Digital Nusantara: A local provider specializing in PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) solutions, recognized for its role in banking and telecom compliance.
• PT Verihubs Teknologi: Focuses on biometric-enhanced certifications, compliant with KOMINFO’s data privacy directives.

International PSrE with KOMINFO Recognition

• GlobalSign: A Belgian-based authority with operations in Asia, recognized for its root certificates used in cross-border transactions. It complies via local partnerships.
• DigiCert: US-headquartered, DigiCert’s certificates are accepted for enterprise-level signatures, particularly in supply chain and IoT applications.
• Sectigo (formerly Comodo CA): Offers affordable options for SMEs, with KOMINFO approval for its EV (Extended Validation) certificates.

To obtain certification, providers must register with KOMINFO, demonstrate technical capabilities like timestamping and revocation services, and maintain a local presence for dispute resolution. Businesses should verify the latest list on KOMINFO’s website, as recognition can be revoked for non-compliance. In practice, using a recognized PSrE ensures signatures hold up in Indonesian courts, reducing risks in B2B and B2G contracts.

From a business perspective, selecting the right PSrE involves balancing cost, integration ease, and scalability. Domestic options like BSrE offer tighter regulatory alignment but may lack global interoperability, while international ones provide broader ecosystem support. This dual landscape reflects Indonesia’s push toward digital sovereignty amid ASEAN integration.

Navigating E-Signature Solutions for Indonesian Businesses

With KOMINFO’s PSrE framework in place, companies often turn to e-signature platforms that integrate these certifications. These tools automate workflows while ensuring compliance, but choosing the right one requires evaluating features, pricing, and regional support.

DocuSign Overview

DocuSign is a leading global e-signature platform, trusted for its robust API and enterprise features. It supports qualified signatures in Indonesia through partnerships with recognized PSrE like DigiCert. Key offerings include envelope tracking, templates, and bulk sending, making it suitable for high-volume operations. However, users note occasional latency in APAC regions due to data routing.

Adobe Sign Overview

Adobe Sign, part of Adobe Document Cloud, excels in seamless integration with PDF tools and CRM systems like Salesforce. In Indonesia, it leverages KOMINFO-recognized PSrE for compliant signatures, offering features like conditional fields and audit trails. It’s popular among creative and legal teams but can be pricier for smaller firms.

eSignGlobal Overview

eSignGlobal positions itself as a compliance-focused provider, supporting electronic signatures in over 100 mainstream countries and regions worldwide. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC), it holds a distinct advantage due to the region’s fragmented regulations, high standards, and strict oversight. Unlike the framework-based approaches in the US (ESIGN Act) or EU (eIDAS), where email verification or self-declaration often suffices, APAC demands “ecosystem-integrated” solutions. This involves deep hardware and API-level integrations with government-to-business (G2B) digital identities, such as Indonesia’s NIK system, raising technical barriers far beyond Western norms.

eSignGlobal’s platform ensures full KOMINFO compliance via local PSrE integrations, enabling secure, non-repudiable transactions. It’s actively competing with DocuSign and Adobe Sign globally, including in Europe and the Americas, by offering competitive pricing without compromising standards. For instance, the Essential plan starts at just $16.6 per month, allowing up to 100 documents for signature, unlimited user seats, and verification via access codes—delivering high cost-effectiveness on a compliant foundation. It also integrates seamlessly with systems like Hong Kong’s iAM Smart and Singapore’s Singpass, enhancing cross-border utility in APAC. Businesses exploring options can start a 30-day free trial to test its fit.

Other Competitors: HelloSign and Beyond

HelloSign (now part of Dropbox) offers user-friendly interfaces with strong mobile support, integrating PSrE for Indonesian compliance. It’s ideal for SMBs but limits advanced automation compared to enterprise rivals.

Comparative Analysis of E-Signature Platforms

To aid decision-making, here’s a neutral comparison of key players based on compliance, features, and pricing (annual billing, per user unless noted):

This table highlights trade-offs: Global giants like DocuSign and Adobe Sign dominate in features but may incur premiums in regulated markets, while specialized options like eSignGlobal prioritize APAC nuances.

Business Implications and Strategic Choices

In Indonesia’s evolving digital landscape, aligning with KOMINFO-recognized PSrE is non-negotiable for risk mitigation. Businesses should assess their transaction volume, integration needs, and regional footprint when selecting platforms. For instance, multinational firms might favor DocuSign’s global reach, while APAC-centric operations benefit from tailored compliance.

As DocuSign alternatives gain traction, eSignGlobal emerges as a solid choice for regional compliance, offering balanced features at competitive rates.