Indonesia’s MPR Speaker Calls For Cyber Defence Branch Amid Geopolitical Challenges

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Aug. 16 (Bernama) -- The Speaker of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Soesatyo, has proposed setting up a cyber defence branch within the National Armed Forces to enhance the country’s cyber capabilities and strengthen the existing military branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Speaking at the opening of the Annual MPR Session in Parliament here Friday, Soesatyo emphasised the importance of this initiative in light of Indonesia’s geopolitical challenges.

Its strategic location near Commonwealth nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia, alongside global geopolitical tensions involving Russia, China, and the United States, were highlighted as key factors.

“We’re entering the era of the ‘Internet of Military Things’ where military operations can be controlled from great distances with increased speed, precision, and accuracy,” Soesatyo explained.

Other critical issues addressed include the agricultural sector, digital advancements, energy transition, downstream industries, and the development of the new capital city (IKN), Nusantara, in East Kalimantan.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance domestic production capabilities and reduce reliance on food imports to achieve food sovereignty.

Soesatyo also highlighted the widening digital divide, particularly in eastern Indonesia, despite significant progress in digital services across trade, financial sectors, and government operations.

On cybersecurity, he underscored the necessity for dedicated agencies and robust regulations to address recent data breaches, noting that Indonesia’s National Cyber Security Index 2023 is ranked fifth in Southeast Asia.

Regarding energy, Soesatyo acknowledged that the energy transition is a significant undertaking requiring substantial investment and cannot be completed within three to five years.

He praised the downstream industrial strategy for showing promising results, especially in the mineral processing sector.

Notably, Indonesia has seen a substantial increase in investment and export growth in nickel, becoming the world’s leading nickel producer.

He also spoke on the development of Nusantara, describing it as a symbol of the nation’s collective hopes as well as determination, and urged continued progress to establish it as a centre of strength and inspiration.

-- BERNAMA