There are four strategic factors that led to the organizational amendments. First, the proliferation of cyber capabilities as a “cost-effective” asymmetric weapon. A 2011 study by Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies identified 33 countries that have incorporated cyberwarfare into their military planning and organization.

Common elements in the military doctrines include the use of cyber capabilities for reconnaissance, information operations, critical network and service disruptions, as well as a complement to electronic warfare. Given the importance of “power balance” in cyberspace, the TNI leadership formed a cyberwarfare unit to develop relevant capabilities and doctrines in 2017.

Second, the adoption of new arms and military technologies. Over the past decade, the TNI has acquired sophisticated weapons such as attack helicopters, main battle tanks, vertical launch system-capable frigates and beyond visual range anti-air missile systems. In theory, these enable the TNI to modify existing field manuals and develop new war-fighting doctrines, including tank warfare, close combat air support, ship-borne air defense and long-range air combat maneuvers.

For that purpose, the military high command has recently reorganized existing institutions for doctrinal development, education and training at each armed services headquarters. Moreover, the Navy and Air Force established a new department to oversee their respective operational exercises.

Third, increased military cooperative engagements. For Indonesia, diplomacy is the first line of defense. Between 2009 and 2015, the country’s defense and military officials participated in 447 multilateral events, 37 percent of which were intra-Southeast Asian defense and security dialogues.

Bilaterally, the TNI also conducted 385 defense interactions or military-to-military exchanges with a total of 36 regional and extraregional countries.

Popular

RI, Australia strengthen partnership on taxing crypto assets

Analysis: Indonesia denies normalization with Israel to enter OECD

Citroen to produce electric cars in Indonesia