Indonesia’s cyber push faces capacity challenges in the provinces
New cybercrime directorates in eight provinces aim to localize Indonesia’s cybersecurity response—but systemic challenges remain.
Indonesia is decentralising its approach to cybersecurity, launching eight regional Cyber Crime Directorates within provincial police forces in September 2024.
These directorates, located in areas including Jakarta, East Java, Bali, and Papua, aim to boost local responses to increasingly complex cyber threats—from data breaches and financial fraud to hacktivism and disinformation.
The move marks a shift from Jakarta-led cybersecurity efforts toward a more distributed model, aligning with Indonesia’s broader decentralisation goals. It reflects the state’s recognition that digital threats are not only national in scope, but deeply rooted in local contexts.
However, experts warn that regionalising cyber governance comes with significant challenges. Provincial police commands often lack specialised personnel, digital forensics capabilities, and adaptive institutional structures.
Many still rely on rotations from central agencies or basic training programs—insufficient for dealing with fast-moving and technically advanced cyberattacks.
Moreover, the culture of rigid hierarchy and limited cross-agency collaboration may further hinder rapid response and innovation at the local level. Without reforms to increase flexibility, autonomy, and inter-agency cooperation, these new directorates risk becoming symbolic rather than operationally impactful.
The inclusion of provinces like Central Sulawesi and Papua also reveals a political dimension. These regions are historically security-sensitive, and the presence of cyber directorates could serve both policing and state surveillance functions, raising concerns over the balance between security and civil liberties.
To be effective, the initiative requires more than administrative expansion. It demands sustained investment in talent development, modern infrastructure, and trusted partnerships with local stakeholders—including the private sector and academia.
If these issues are not addressed, Indonesia’s push to regionalise cybersecurity may reinforce old hierarchies rather than build meaningful local capacity. Stronger, smarter institutions—not just new offices—will determine whether Indonesia can secure its digital future.
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