Indonesia Takes the Lead in Internet Routing Security with APRICOT 2026 Spotlight

Exciting news for the tech and networking community: APRICOT 2026 is making its highly anticipated return to Indonesia! Scheduled to take place from February 4 to 12, 2026, at the Sheraton Gandaria City in Jakarta, this event is set to bring together Internet leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Registration is now open, and APNIC members can enjoy a 30% discount. Attendees will not only have the chance to network with pioneers but also contribute by presenting their own insights to help shape the global Internet’s future. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, connect, and lead the way forward for a more secure and innovative Internet.

Understanding BGP and the Path to Better Security

At the core of global Internet routing lies the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), a fundamental system designed to manage how packets of data travel between networks worldwide. However, BGP was originally built on a model of trust, which lacks inherent security measures. This “trust by default” system leaves networks vulnerable to critical risks like route hijacks and accidental leaks, which can disrupt services and compromise data security. To address these vulnerabilities, the Internet operations community has been deploying the Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI).

RPKI is a framework designed to enhance routing security through two essential mechanisms: Route Origin Authorization (ROA) and Route Origin Validation (ROV). ROAs are cryptographically signed objects that authorize specific Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) to originate defined prefixes, ensuring that only approved networks can announce routes. ROV, on the other hand, allows networks to verify these authorizations and reject any invalid routes. Together, they create a more secure Internet routing environment, though their full potential depends on widespread adoption and consistent updates.

Indonesia’s Growing Leadership in Secure Internet Routing

Indonesia’s efforts to enhance Internet security are paying off in remarkable ways. Over the past three months, the country has seen its ROA coverage surge from 66.03% to an impressive 90.55%, making it a standout performer among Southeast Asian nations. This increase highlights Indonesia’s commitment to creating secure pathways for its networks and its growing contribution to global efforts in securing routing protocols. While ROV adoption still sits at a modest 21.72%, this number signifies a positive trend as more networks begin dropping invalid prefixes, thereby mitigating the risks of route leaks and hijacks.

Globally, 54% of prefixes are now signed with ROAs, with Asia at 45.20%. Within Southeast Asia, the overall ROA coverage hits 90.68%, driven by key players like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Indonesia’s leap to 90.55% positions it as an emerging leader in the region, showcasing how focused action and technical coordination can yield significant progress. However, the path forward also involves increasing ROV adoption, which remains uneven—globally, only 21.56% of networks implement ROV, compared to 15.39% in Southeast Asia. This highlights the need for continued effort to propagate routing validation practices.

Best Practices for Maintaining Routing Security

To ensure the effectiveness of ROAs and ROV, stakeholders must adopt meticulous practices. Misconfigured ROAs can lead to legitimate prefixes being incorrectly flagged as invalid, causing disruptions in connectivity. It is essential to align each ROA’s origin AS and maximum length with actual BGP announcements while keeping ROAs updated in response to network changes. Networks utilizing anycast or multiple origin ASNs should create separate ROAs for precise authorization. Monitoring and timely updates remain critical in maintaining accurate and secure routing configurations.

Indonesia’s recent achievements underscore how determined efforts can have a transformative impact on routing security. With increased ROV adoption, the nation can further solidify its leadership in validating routing integrity, setting a benchmark for neighboring countries. By building on this momentum, Indonesia has the opportunity to lead not just regionally but globally in creating a safer Internet environment for everyone.

Join the Conversation at APRICOT 2026

The upcoming APRICOT 2026 conference serves as a critical platform for advancing discussions on Internet security, including the implementation of RPKI protocols. Attendees will have access to in-depth case studies, tutorials, and resources to enhance their understanding and application of these technologies. With Indonesia’s rapid progress in securing its networks, the event promises to spotlight the importance of collaborative efforts in the Asia-Pacific region for fostering a stronger and more resilient Internet. Whether you’re an industry leader, a policy advocate, or an enthusiast, APRICOT 2026 is your chance to be part of this movement shaping the future of Internet security.