Indonesia is bolstering its cyber defenses through a new partnership between the Republic of Indonesia Defense University (UNHAN RI) and Thales Indonesia. The collaboration, formalized on , aims to develop local cybersecurity expertise and address the escalating threat landscape within the nation.
The initiative comes as Indonesia faces a significant surge in cyberattacks. Between January and July 2025, the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (BSSN) recorded 3.64 billion cyberattacks or traffic anomalies, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, government operations, and military systems. A successful attack targeting these areas could lead to national security breaches, disruption of essential services, and economic instability.
UNHAN RI, operated by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, plays a crucial role in educating and training Indonesian military personnel and civil servants in areas related to national defense, security, and military science. Recognizing the growing importance of cybersecurity, the university has expanded its curriculum to include specialized, advanced-level training and postgraduate programs in cyber defense.
Thales’ Role and Expertise
Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies for defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity, brings substantial expertise to the partnership. The company employs over 6,000 cybersecurity professionals and developers worldwide, including a dedicated team in Indonesia. Thales offers solutions designed to enhance security, trust, and resilience across key sectors and critical infrastructure.
The collaboration will involve Thales deploying an exclusive cybersecurity training program for UNHAN RI students. The curriculum will focus on critical areas such as cyber threat intelligence, detection, and investigation, aligning with international standards. Initially, up to 25 students will be trained by Thales’ global cybersecurity experts, with the program slated to begin in the second quarter of .
This partnership builds on Thales’ 45-year history of supporting Indonesia’s defense sector, providing and maintaining critical systems for the Indonesian National Army. According to Nicolas Bouverot, Thales Vice-President for Asia, cyber defense is “an essential pillar of Indonesian sovereignty.”
A Model for Future Collaboration
The agreement, formalized through an Implementing Arrangement, signifies Thales’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity talent in Indonesia. Bouverot expressed hope that this partnership could serve as a model for future academic collaborations on broader topics, fostering a long-term commitment to building local capabilities and improving human resources within Indonesia’s rapidly growing digital economy.
The RI Defense University is committed to preparing future defense leaders who are adaptive, technologically competent, and ready to respond to the ever-evolving security challenges. We believe that collaboration with strategic partners such as Thales will significantly contribute to this mission.– Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.), Dr. Anton Nugroho, Rector of UNHAN RI
Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Dr. Anton Nugroho, Rector of UNHAN RI, emphasized the university’s dedication to preparing future defense leaders equipped to address evolving security challenges. He highlighted the importance of adaptability, technological proficiency, and adherence to global standards.
Thales’ presence in Indonesia extends beyond defense, encompassing solutions for digital identity and biometrics, cybersecurity, air traffic management, and telecommunication satellites. The company has been a long-term provider of defense solutions to the Indonesian Armed Forces, assisting in the modernization of systems and promoting innovation to safeguard Indonesia’s sovereignty and economic interests, in close collaboration with key local partners.
The partnership with UNHAN RI represents a strategic investment in Indonesia’s cyber resilience, acknowledging the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber threats. By focusing on education and training, both UNHAN RI and Thales aim to build a robust cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting the nation’s critical assets and ensuring its continued digital growth.
This collaboration underscores the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a fundamental component of national security and economic stability in the digital age. The initiative positions Indonesia to proactively address emerging threats and maintain its position as a key player in the Southeast Asian digital landscape.
