The formation of a new Cyber Force as the fourth branch of the Indonesian Military was approved by President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto. This new military unit will enable Indonesia to effectively respond to cyber attacks from abroad and work alongside the existing Army, Navy, and Air Force. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto emphasized the importance of defending against foreign cyber threats in modern warfare, which requires strategies to handle various forms of conflict and propaganda battles.
The need for the new cyber military unit was highlighted by a significant cyber attack in June that targeted Indonesian government offices, causing disruptions to immigration services and airport operations. The Cyber Force will be responsible for conducting daily cyber patrols, implementing security measures, and engaging in psychological operations to influence minds in this new form of warfare. President-elect Prabowo, who has a strong interest in cyber security, endorsed the plan, recognizing the importance of developing capabilities to protect against cyber threats.
Despite the step forward in establishing a cyber military unit, officials warn that the effectiveness of the force could be compromised without adequate funding and defense equipment. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, stressed that having a large cyber military force is not enough if the necessary defense equipment is lacking. He emphasized the advanced nature of cyber defense equipment and the need for consistent investment in defense technology to avoid falling behind other countries in cyber security capabilities.
It was also emphasized that investing in satellite systems will be crucial to enhancing Indonesia’s cyber defense capabilities. Mr. Lodewijk highlighted the importance of allocating resources to ensure the security of data and the need for advanced equipment to support the specialists involved in cyber defense operations. He likened the development of cyber technology to creating military special forces, emphasizing the importance of having sophisticated tools to effectively combat cyber threats, even if the team is small.
Overall, the formation of the new Cyber Force in Indonesia represents a significant step towards enhancing the country’s capabilities in cyber defense and responding to cyber threats. By recognizing the importance of specialized military units for cyber warfare, Indonesia is taking strides to safeguard its national security in an increasingly digitized world. However, the success of the Cyber Force will depend on adequate funding, advanced defense equipment, and consistent investment in cyber technology development to ensure that Indonesia remains competitive in the realm of cyber security.
