ANKARA

Indonesia has approved the creation of a Cyber Force, which will become the fourth branch of the Indonesian Military (TNI), alongside the army, navy, and air force. 

The decision was approved by outgoing President Jokowi Widodo, who is set to complete his 10-year tenure next month, and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who is currently serving as the defense minister, daily Jakarta Globe reported on Monday.

The Cyber Force will operate similarly to other three military branches by conducting patrols and mitigation efforts, Chief Security Minister Hadi Tjahjanto said.

"The Cyber Force is a battle of minds. It's about how we can influence others and win the war," Hadi told reporters.

Highlighting the importance of the Cyber Force, he said that a “systematic” approach is necessary to counter future “cyber wars.”

Hadi also reflected on Jakarta’s previous experiences with cyber warfare, particularly during the conflict with Timor Leste, which gained independence in 2002.

Indonesia still needs to build its cyber warfare expertise, he acknowledged.

“Cyber warfare requires media—information tools to shape public opinion. It’s a battle of minds, influencing people’s perceptions to achieve strategic goals,” he maintained.

According to the National Cyber Security Index, Indonesia ranks fifth in Southeast Asia, despite the global shift toward the internet of military things, where military operations are increasingly controlled remotely with greater speed and accuracy.