In September 2024, as his presidency drew to a close, Joko Widodo (known as Jokowi) unveiled an ambitious plan: the creation of a dedicated cyber force – a fourth branch of Indonesia’s armed forces. This was a decisive response to growing threats in cyberspace, especially ransomware and the proliferation of cyber scams and online mis- and disinformation.

Just months later, that vision has all but disappeared. Jokowi’s successor, Prabowo Subianto, has quietly shelved the idea and slashed cybersecurity budgets. The new government’s retreat isn’t just about money. It signals a deeper problem: Indonesia’s political leadership still sees cyber defence as an afterthought. While other nations are bolstering their cyber resilience, Indonesia remains fixated on conventional threats, leaving its cyber vulnerabilities dangerously exposed.