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Is the Indonesian military ready for AI integration?
Despite these positive developments, the integration of AI into the TNI remains inconsistent and sporadic.
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Combat ready; Soldiers from the Army’s Infantry Raider Battalion 514, armed with tactical cameras and bullet-proof vests, take part in an exercise at East Baturaja military training ground in Ogan Kemering Ulu regency, South Sumatra, on Nov. 24, 2020. (Antara/Nova Wahyudi)
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ecognizing the vital significance artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare and military operations, the Indonesian Military (TNI) must establish its own strategic guidelines for AI, promote doctrinal adaptation and foster more innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs).
In today’s evolving landscape, leading nations are at the forefront of integrating AI into their defense strategies. The ongoing Ukraine war has showcased the growing significance of AI. Robin Fontes, former deputy commanding general of the United States Army Cyber Command, referred to Ukraine as a "living lab for AI warfare".
AI technologies in Ukraine have been used to analyze extensive datasets from open sources, including social media, providing invaluable insights for decision-making, says Sam Bendett from the Center of New American Security. This has empowered Ukrainian forces to effectively track and analyze the movements of Russian troops.
Additionally, the collaboration of geospatial intelligence firms in providing AI-enhanced systems to the Ukrainian military highlights the pivotal role of the private sector in driving AI innovation.
Leading military powers are now swiftly embracing AI-enabled technologies in their national security strategies. In the US, the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Pentagon recently established the AI Security Center to facilitate AI integration into national security, in line with a 2018 recommendation for widespread AI adoption by 2025. China’s AI plan, centered on “military-civil fusion”, aims to transform China into a global AI leader by 2030. Australia, part of the AUKUS alliance, is integrating AI and quantum technology in its armed forces, acquiring unmanned AI-powered submarines and aerial vehicles for deployment by as early as 2025.
Indonesia has not been idle when it comes to embracing AI military technologies. President Joko “Jokowi” Jokowi has repeatedly called on the TNI to learn and master the use of new AI technologies.
Furthermore, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Agus Subiyanto said during the confirmation hearing to approve his nomination as the new TNI chief at the House of Representatives recently that he was considering the formation of a cyber division within the military.
