Indonesian President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto have approved the formation of a new Cyber Force, which will be the fourth branch of the Indonesian Military (TNI). This new unit is aimed at responding effectively to cyber attacks from abroad and will operate alongside the Indonesian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The decision to establish this cyber military unit comes in response to the increasing threat of foreign cyber attacks, with officials emphasizing the importance of defending against such threats in modern warfare which involves proxy wars, asymmetric conflicts, and propaganda battles.
The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto, shared more details about the new Cyber Force, highlighting the need for a dedicated and specialized military unit to tackle cyber threats. In June, Indonesian government offices experienced a significant cyber attack, disrupting services and operations, prompting the need for enhanced cyber security measures. The Cyber Force is expected to conduct daily cyber patrols, implement security measures, and be responsible for psychological operations aimed at influencing minds to succeed in this evolving form of warfare. President-elect Prabowo, with a strong interest in cyber security, has endorsed the plan to establish the Cyber Force.
While Indonesia’s move to create a cyber military unit is significant, officials have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the unit without adequate funding or defense equipment. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, emphasized the importance of having the necessary technology to support the Cyber Force. He stressed that cyber defense equipment is more advanced than regular devices like cell phones, requiring specialists and sophisticated tools. Without proper funding and investment in defense technology, Indonesia risks falling behind other nations in the cyber security domain, leaving its data vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Mr. Lodewijk also highlighted the necessity of investing in satellite systems to bolster cyber defense capabilities. He compared the development of cyber technology to creating military special forces, emphasizing the importance of having advanced equipment even with fewer personnel. He warned that simply having a large cyber military force without the right tools would not be effective in ensuring adequate cyber security for the country. The cost of developing cyber technology may be high, but it is deemed necessary to protect Indonesia’s data and infrastructure from cyber threats and attacks in an increasingly digitized world.
The establishment of the Cyber Force in Indonesia aligns with global trends, as other nations have made strides in developing cyber forces to enhance their national security against cyber attacks. Indonesia’s recognition of the importance of cybersecurity and the establishment of this specialized military unit demonstrate the country’s commitment to addressing cyber threats effectively. With the support of President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is taking proactive steps to safeguard its information and infrastructure from cyber threats, recognizing that investment in cyber defense technology and equipment is crucial in maintaining national security in the digital age.
