Defense partnership intensifies between Indonesia and Singapore, encompassing cyber security.
Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to intensify their defense cooperation, focusing on joint exercises across land, sea, air, and cyber forces, as well as strengthening cyber defense capabilities. The announcement was made during a meeting between Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defense Force of the Singapore Armed Forces, on the sidelines of the annual dialogue between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in Jakarta [1][2].
The agreement, formalized during the July 2025 CARM-INDOSIN high-level committee session, aims to boost the defense capabilities of both countries and support regional security. The session aimed to deepen the strategic understanding between the two countries, discussing an upcoming strategic agenda, a performance evaluation, and enhanced collaboration for intelligence and interoperability [1].
One of the key aspects of the cooperation is Indonesia’s focus on improving its cyber defense capacities with Singapore. Indonesia plans to develop a cyber command modeled after Singapore’s advanced Digital Intelligence Service (DIS), established in 2022 as a distinct military domain alongside traditional forces [3]. Singapore consistently ranks among the world's best in cybersecurity, making it an ideal partner for Indonesia in this area.
The enhanced cooperation is expected to have several positive impacts on regional security. First, it will lead to enhanced interoperability and collaboration between the armed forces of both countries through more frequent and diverse joint exercises in all military domains. This will strengthen the ability of both countries to work together effectively in addressing regional security challenges [1].
Second, it will improve cyber defense resilience by Indonesia learning from Singapore’s established cyber military model. This will help Indonesia to better protect critical national data and respond to cyber threats in the region [3].
Third, the agreement aims to enhance the skills and interaction of military personnel from both countries, fostering long-term defense ties. This human resource development aspect of the cooperation is crucial for maintaining a strong and effective defense partnership between the two countries [1].
The two neighbors remain committed to regional stability, recognizing the volatile geopolitical tensions and a rise in global conflicts that have led Southeast Asian countries to bulk up their militaries. The enhanced cooperation aligns with broader Southeast Asian efforts to maintain peace and stability amid complex geopolitical dynamics [1][2].
Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang discussed opportunities in cyber defense, expressing optimism about the future role of military interaction between Indonesia and Singapore. Vice Admiral Beng also emphasized the need for the two countries to continue intensifying their cooperation while upholding mutual respect [1].
In 2022, Jakarta and Singapore agreed to intensify their security partnership by finalizing the long-awaited defense cooperation agreement (DCA). The intensified defense cooperation includes increasing joint exercises between land, sea, air, and cyber forces, marking a significant step forward in the defense partnership between the two countries [1][2].
Dialogue and cooperation are emphasized for maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia. The enhanced defense cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore is a proactive regional security approach by two key Southeast Asian neighbors, bolstering their capabilities to address emerging security challenges comprehensively [1][2].
- Recognizing the geopolitical tensions and increase in global conflicts, Indonesia and Singapore are furthering their defense cooperation, with a focus on bolstering cyber defense capabilities.
- To achieve this, Indonesia plans to develop a cyber command modeled after Singapore's Digital Intelligence Service (DIS), established in 2022, as a means to enhance their cyber security.
- This intensified cooperation is expected to foster long-term defense ties, enhancing the skills and interaction of military personnel from both countries and contributing to regional stability.
- The agreement also aims to address emerging security challenges comprehensively, utilizing technology and AI, while maintaining mutual respect in all aspects of the cooperation.
