Indonesia Establishes Cyber Force as Fourth Military Branch

Indonesia has officially approved the creation of a Cyber Force, marking it as the fourth branch of the Indonesian Military (TNI) alongside the army, navy, and air force, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

This decision, endorsed by outgoing President Jokowi Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, aims to enhance the nation’s cyber defense capabilities.

Chief Security Minister Hadi Tjahjanto emphasized that the Cyber Force will conduct patrols and mitigation efforts similar to traditional military branches. He described cyber warfare as a “battle of minds,” stressing the need for a systematic approach to counter future threats. Reflecting on past experiences, particularly during the conflict with Timor Leste, he acknowledged the importance of shaping public opinion through information tools.

Despite Indonesia ranking fifth in Southeast Asia according to the National Cyber Security Index, Hadi noted the necessity for the country to develop its cyber warfare expertise in light of the growing reliance on digital technologies in military operations.