Preparation for Establishing BPOLBF-CSIRT

On September 16, 2025, we took another important step at the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA/BPOLBF)—a follow-up meeting about the preparation for establishing the BPOLBF-CSIRT team (Computer Security Incident Response Team).

For me, as someone working in IT Support and Public Communication, this moment feels exciting. Cybersecurity is often something we only read about in the news or associate with big tech companies, but now it’s becoming part of our daily responsibility here in Labuan Bajo.

Guidance from BSSN

We’re not walking this path alone. The BSSN (Badan Siber dan Sandi Negara / National Cyber and Crypto Agency) has been guiding us, both in the administrative preparations (documents, requirements) and in technical training.

It’s encouraging to see that BSSN is serious about helping institutions like LBFTA stand stronger in the digital era. Tourism may sound far from cyber risks, but when you think about the systems, data, and communications we handle every day, the urgency becomes crystal clear.

The Technical Hands-On

Here are the technical exercises:

Installing Gpg4win (Kleopatra)

• The main goal: to create PGP keys (both private and public).
• In simple terms, this is like giving ourselves a secure digital lock and key—so only the intended person can read the information we send.

Using PGP Keys on Thunderbird

• After creating the keys, we tested them in the Thunderbird mail client.
• The purpose: to send and receive encrypted emails.
• Seeing the process actually work—writing an email, encrypting it, and knowing that it’s secure—was a powerful reminder of how vulnerable unprotected communication can be.

Why It Matters for LBFTA

You might be wondering, “What does encrypted email have to do with tourism?” Well, quite a lot.

We deal with sensitive information: communications with ministries, tourism stakeholders, and even international partners. Protecting this data is just as important as protecting our natural assets. If we want to present Labuan Bajo as a world-class destination, our digital infrastructure needs to be world-class too.

—
Engel Vione
IT Support Specialist & Public Communication Officer
Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority