Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, announced plans to inaugurate the Cyber Education Squadron in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday (October 10, 2024).
"Tomorrow, I will officiate the Cyber Education Squadron in Bogor, and you are welcome to join (and cover the event). In this Cyber Education Squadron, we will produce air force personnel equipped with cyber capabilities," he told journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Air Force Headquarters, he explained that the establishment of the cyber squadron is a step toward the fortification of Indonesia's cyber defense posture, which is a part of the Air Force's strategic plans for the next 20 years.
He said that the raising of the squadron aligns with the central government's resolve to establish the Cyber Military Force as the fourth branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
"We will first focus on educating Air Force soldiers. However, going forward, we will accommodate personnel from other forces, police officers, and even officials from civil institutions," he disclosed.
Related news: Indonesian Air Force sets cyber defense plans for next 20 years
Harjono then said that the cyber squadron will build both theoretical and technical capacities of personnel in using sophisticated technologies.
The high-ranking officer expressed optimism about the operations of the squadron beefing up the Air Force's capabilities in safeguarding Indonesia from cyber threats.
Earlier on September 23, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto, confirmed that President Joko Widodo had ordered the formation of a cyber force to broaden TNI's scope of expertise.
"Cyber branch (is being prepared) for us to deal with cyberattacks from outside, from non-state actors. In today's modern battle, our center of gravity is now cyber warfare," he said in Jakarta.
Tjahjanto added that President-elect Prabowo Subianto, a retired TNI officer, will also pay attention to the formation of the cyber force after assuming office on October 20.
Related news: President Jokowi orders cyber force formation: minister
Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor : Mahdani
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