UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and with support from Global Affairs Canada, hosted a cyber capacity-building and policy training in Jakarta. This bilateral initiative marks a further chapter in UNIDIR’s work on strengthening national cybersecurity frameworks across Southeast Asia.
Held from 13 to 17 October, this week-long interactive training served to enhance convergence of technical skills and policy-level understanding. This workshop is part of UNIDIR’s broader commitment to supporting States in implementing the UN cyber norms and responding to the call for more localized and responsive capacity-building, as emphasized by the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT Security.
Building cyber readiness in Indonesia
The training brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, critical infrastructure providers, academic institutions and civil society. Sessions were tailored to the specific cybersecurity context of Indonesia, addressing key topics such as threat evolution, emerging digital technologies, incident management and international cyber governance.
A central feature of the programme was the introduction of UNIDIR’s Foundational Cyber Capabilities framework. This model outlines essential components for national cyber preparedness, including strategic planning, legal and institutional development, operational capabilities, and trusted partnerships.
One of the highlights of the week was a dynamic tabletop exercise simulating a large-scale cyber incident. This scenario-based activity allowed participants to practice real-time decision-making, coordination and response strategies in a controlled setting, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and collaboration.
Enhancing national leadership for cyber crisis
A critical pillar of the training was dedicated to advancing and testing crisis leadership in action, recognizing that cultivating strong leadership is essential for national cybersecurity and effective incident response and inter-agency coordination. Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on strengthening existing national incident response frameworks, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to respond to evolving threats.
Advancing regional cyber resilience
Following on from similar initiatives in Lao PDR and Thailand, this training in Indonesia forms part of a growing regional series of bilateral collaborations that aim to reinforce national and regional cyber capacities. UNIDIR remains dedicated to supporting governments with tailored tools and training, enabling them to respond effectively to today’s rapidly evolving cyber challenges. Strengthening digital resilience is crucial to ensuring that cyberspace remains open, peaceful, safe and secure in the years ahead.
To learn more about UNIDIR’s research-driven training and capacity-building programmes, visit the UNIDIR Academy.
This project is funded by Global Affairs Canada under its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
