Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Information Center, Major General Hariyanto, stated that his side will persist in training its soldiers in cyber defense while also planning to recruit cyber experts to strengthen the military.

"The TNI is dedicated to developing and enhancing the skills of its soldiers in the cyber field through education, training, and special assignments," Hariyanto explained here on Monday.

Hariyanto noted that technological advancements, especially in the military sector, necessitate that the TNI remains up-to-date.

According to the major general, this is crucial as modern warfare increasingly occurs in the cyber realm rather than on physical battlefields.

To bolster the TNI's capabilities in cyber defense, his team is exploring collaboration with civilian experts in technology to strengthen the country's cyber defense.

"Recruiting civilians as cyber specialists is a strategic move to enhance our national cyber defense with individuals who possess expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence," Hariyanto remarked.

He affirmed that plans for civilian recruitment into cyber units at all levels will be finalized shortly, and cyber skill training for soldiers will also be intensified.

However, Hariyanto did not provide specifics when asked about the number of cyber personnel needed by the TNI and the recruitment process.

In September 2024, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto disclosed that he received an order from former president Joko Widodo to establish a cyber military force as the TNI's fourth branch.

His side has so far planned to establish a cyber military center at the TNI headquarters and within each military branch. Subiyanto indicated that high school and university graduates will be recruited to be the personnel in the cyber centers.

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Translator: Walda M, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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