Indonesia Advances Military Diplomacy for Emerging Security Challenges

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Military Forces (TNI) are strengthening defense diplomacy to address non‑traditional security threats in the Indo‑Pacific region. These threats include cybersecurity issues, terrorism, maritime security challenges, and the protection of undersea infrastructure that supports digital connectivity.

Head of the ASEAN Cooperation Division at the Indonesian Military TNI International Cooperation Center (Puskersin), Col. (Artillery) David Eldo, said international cooperation is essential to confronting regional security threats.

“Non‑traditional threats are those that are not immediately visible, such as cybersecurity issues. Counter‑terrorism, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance also represent threats that must be addressed,” he said during an RRI Pro3 dialogue on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

To strengthen digital security, TNI is developing cooperation to protect undersea infrastructure, including undersea internet cables.

David said intelligence cooperation is carried out through information‑sharing with regional countries. Shared intelligence helps track networks that pose security risks. “We share information with Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. This allows us to track these networks, restrict their movements, and ultimately apprehend them,” he said.

TNI also conducts coordinated patrols with countries that share direct borders with Indonesia. These activities include securing maritime territories and airspace between nations.

Defense diplomacy also aims to improve the professionalism of TNI personnel through international education and training programs. David said TNI soldiers participate in training abroad, enabling knowledge and technology transfer and learning from other countries’ defense practices.

“Our soldiers learn from the best practices of other countries. This includes knowledge transfer, technology transfer, and lessons learned from those experiences,” he said.

Defense diplomacy is considered an important factor in supporting regional stability and securing Indonesia’s trade routes. These conditions are expected to positively impact economic activity and public welfare. (Misni Parjiati)