PT KAI partners with Zimbra for secure & sovereign email upgrade
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) has partnered with Zimbra to enhance its email security and address emerging cybersecurity threats while ensuring compliance with Indonesia's data sovereignty requirements.
Email infrastructure upgrade
The collaboration sees PT KAI, Indonesia's state-owned railway operator, choosing Zimbra's secure, on-premise email platform to replace its legacy system. This move aims to provide robust control over communication channels, reinforce data protection, and ensure alignment with evolving regulatory mandates in Indonesia.
Zimbra's Network Edition was selected for its ability to deliver a secure and scalable solution that fits seamlessly into PT KAI's existing IT landscape. The integration enables identity verification and streamlines operational coordination across PT KAI's nationwide network, which supports over 28,000 employees.
"Our partnership with Zimbra allows us to meet our current compliance requirements while preparing for future challenges," said Bagit Airlangga, Manager of IT Application and Data Centre, PT Kereta Api Indonesia. "With local deployment, full encryption, and seamless system integration, we are able to ensure operational efficiency across our national network."
Regulatory landscape
The deployment of Zimbra's platform takes place against a backdrop of increasing regulatory emphasis on data sovereignty and in-country data storage. Indonesian public institutions are responding to governmental directives by shifting toward self-managed, sovereign digital pursuits, seeking alternatives to foreign-managed cloud services in critical sectors.
Zimbra's open-standard, on-premises solution addresses both immediate security concerns and future-proof compliance requirements. This approach is intended to facilitate digital transformation while keeping sensitive data within Indonesia's borders.
Marcus Teo, Chief Revenue Officer at Zimbra, stated, "As institutions like PT KAI modernise their communication infrastructure under national data mandates, Zimbra is proud to provide sovereign-ready, secure email infrastructure tailored to Indonesia's regulatory landscape. This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting both resilience and regulatory alignment with the public sector and beyond."
Model for transformation
Industry observers note that the partnership reflects broader trends in the region, with Southeast Asian governments and organisations increasingly opting for on-premise, sovereign solutions. The intention is not only to comply with regulatory frameworks but to build long-term resilience against cyber threats and foster self-reliance in mission-critical digital services.
The partnership's model could be further extended, with potential future phases aimed at broader adoption within PT KAI and possibly other regulated Indonesian sectors. The strategy aligns with Indonesia's digital economy objectives and a nationwide push for digital transformation across the public sector.
Ivy Lee, APJ Vice President of Sales, said, "Zimbra has seen significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, specifically Southeast Asia, which drives close to a third of our global revenue. The company works closely with government bodies, financial services firms and SMBs across the region, with priority markets including Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand."
Lee added, "The company has protected over a million new mailboxes in the past two years. We intend to invest in its SEA expansion in the coming months, supporting the region's digital modernisation efforts while helping organisations maintain control over their data and communication infrastructure."
Regional trends
The trend toward digital self-reliance is expected to accelerate, as regulatory pressures and cyber risks grow across the Asia-Pacific. Investments in secure, sovereign-ready digital platforms form a key component in national strategies aimed at maintaining operational stability and control over critical data.
The ongoing partnership between PT KAI and Zimbra will be observed as a benchmark for similar initiatives, as Indonesian institutions continue to adapt to regulatory shifts and the expanding requirements of digital governance.
