The relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Nusantara (IKN) in East Kalimantan is not merely a monumental administrative and infrastructural undertaking, it also presents strategic challenges and opportunities in the realm of national defense. The move to the new capital city necessitates a comprehensive and adaptive defense strategy that takes into account both evolving security threats and geopolitical shifts in the Asia-Pacific region. As contemporary threats become more complex, and geopolitical dynamics grow increasingly unpredictable, Indonesia must strengthen its defense posture through innovative and integrated strategies, leveraging cutting-edge technology and a synergistic defense approach.
One of the keystone of this strategy is the concept of Smart Defense, as outlined in Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 63 of 2022, which governs the master plan for IKN. This framework envisions a multi-layered defense system that integrates hard defense, soft defense, and diplomatic initiatives, forming a cohesive structure capable of addressing modern threats. Given the volatile geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific, this article examines the projection of Indonesia’s Smart Defense in the context of the new capital, the evolving nature of contemporary threats, and the region’s geopolitical tensions.
Understanding the Concept of Smart Defense
Smart defense is a strategic approach that emphasizes efficiency, flexibility, and technological innovation in the use of military and security resources. It involves integrating various defense capabilities to address an increasingly complex array of security threats in the modern world. Originally conceptualized by NATO at the Munich Security Conference in February 2011, smart defense focuses on enhancing collaboration between nations, pooling resources, and optimizing military spending to create a more effective and adaptive defense system. This approach is particularly relevant in today’s security environment, where states face not only traditional military threats but also cyberattacks, terrorism, hybrid warfare, and environmental challenges.
According to Ibrahim Karataş (2021) on Cyber Warfare and NATO’s New Security Concept: Smart Defense, smart defense requires a balance between hard power (military strength and deterrence) and soft power (diplomatic, economic, and cultural influence), ensuring that a nation can respond to a wide spectrum of threats. It also advocates for the use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity measures, and autonomous defense systems, to improve defense capabilities while reducing costs and risks.
Technological innovation is a keystone of smart defense. In the modern defense landscape, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and autonomous systems play a critical role in creating more responsive and adaptive defense mechanisms. Nicolas Guzman Camacho (2024) on The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: Addressing Threats in the Digital Age, argue that these technologies allow for real-time threat detection, advanced predictive analysis, and more streamlined decision-making processes, which are essential for countering rapidly evolving threats such as cyberattacks or hybrid warfare. In particular, AI-powered defense systems enable enhanced situational awareness, enabling military forces to react swiftly to emerging threats across multiple domains—land, sea, air, and cyberspace.
Cybersecurity is an integral part of smart defense, reflecting the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure in both civilian and military contexts. Rivera and Hare (2014) on The Deployment of Attribution Agnostic Cyberdefense Constructs and Internally based Cyberthreat Countermeasures highlight that cyber defense must be prioritized within smart defense frameworks, as the digitalization of critical infrastructure creates new vulnerabilities. Smart defense systems incorporate cyber defense measures such as proactive cyber threat intelligence, robust encryption protocols, and incident response teams to safeguard both governmental and civilian assets from cyberattacks.
For Indonesia, the smart defense model adopted for Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) incorporates these principles, tailoring them to the unique challenges and opportunities the country faces. The Indonesian version of smart defense, as outlined in Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 63 of 2022, combines hard defense (conventional military strength), soft defense (cybersecurity, counterterrorism), and diplomatic efforts to create a multi-layered, comprehensive strategy. As explained by Sarjito (2024), this synergistic approach allows Indonesia to effectively manage its defense resources while maintaining the flexibility to respond to both domestic and regional security threats. By integrating these elements, smart defense in the IKN context aims to create a resilient and adaptive defense system capable of addressing contemporary security challenges in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
Contemporary Security Threats Facing IKN
The relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Nusantara (IKN) presents a host of new security vulnerabilities, requiring the adoption of innovative defense mechanisms. Among these challenges are the increasingly complex and interconnected threats associated with cybersecurity, hybrid warfare, and environmental risks. In a world where digital technology underpins critical infrastructure, IKN, as a smart city, will rely heavily on advanced digital systems for its operations. This dependence makes it particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can target key infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, and communication networks. Cyber-espionage and sabotage by state and non-state actors have already become a significant issue in Southeast Asia, and these threats are likely to intensify as digital infrastructures expand.
Hybrid warfare, which blurs the lines between conventional military tactics and unconventional methods like disinformation campaigns and economic coercion, is another pressing concern. In the context of IKN, the capital could become a target of non-traditional warfare designed to disrupt governance and weaken public trust. This requires a comprehensive soft defense strategy that goes beyond military readiness and includes countermeasures against disinformation and psychological operations aimed at destabilizing the political system.
Additionally, the geographical location of IKN in East Kalimantan brings with it unique environmental risks, such as natural disasters, including floods, forest fires, and earthquakes. As large-scale construction and urban development occur in the region, the possibility of environmental degradation increases, potentially leading to ecological crises. This means that Indonesia’s smart defense strategy must also account for disaster preparedness and resilience, ensuring that both the population and infrastructure of IKN can withstand natural disasters and other ecological challenges.
Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific
Indonesia’s strategic position in Southeast Asia places it at the center of a dynamic and increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. The Asia-Pacific region has become a hotbed of geopolitical tensions, driven in large part by rivalries between global powers, territorial disputes, and shifting alliances. For Indonesia, the proximity of IKN to areas like the South China Sea and the larger Indo-Pacific region means that its defense strategy must be attuned to the security challenges posed by these developments.
One of the most significant regional flashpoints is the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims have led to rising tensions between China and several ASEAN member states. While Indonesia is not a direct claimant in these disputes, it has critical interests in maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring regional stability. The relocation of the capital to Kalimantan, closer to this contested maritime zone, enhances Indonesia’s strategic position in defending its maritime borders and securing its interests in the region. Consequently, Indonesia’s smart defense strategy must prioritize maritime defense capabilities and strengthen its naval presence to deter potential threats.
Additionally, the growing rivalry between the United States and China has transformed the Asia-Pacific into a theater of great power competition. Indonesia, adhering to its long-standing foreign policy of non-alignment, must carefully navigate this rivalry. Both powers are seeking to extend their influence in Southeast Asia, with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific strategy creating competing spheres of influence. Indonesia’s smart defense, especially the diplomatic component, will be critical in balancing these relationships while ensuring that it remains autonomous in its defense and security policies.
Regional cooperation through ASEAN also plays a key role in Indonesia’s defense posture. As a leading member of ASEAN, Indonesia has the opportunity to strengthen regional security frameworks, particularly in areas such as counterterrorism, maritime security, and disaster relief. This multilateral approach aligns with the diplomatic defense aspect of Indonesia’s smart defense strategy, which seeks to foster strong international partnerships to bolster regional stability.
Innovation-Driven Security: The Technological Backbone of IKN’s Defense Strategy
One of the defining features of smart defense is its reliance on technological innovation to enhance national security. In the context of IKN, technology will play an integral role in creating a resilient and adaptive defense system. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and unmanned systems will be crucial in addressing both traditional and non-traditional threats. Artificial intelligence and big data analytics will enable real-time surveillance, predictive threat assessments, and faster decision-making. By utilizing AI-driven systems, Indonesia can improve its ability to detect and respond to emerging threats, from cyberattacks to potential security breaches. This is particularly important for a smart city like IKN, where vast amounts of data will need to be processed and analyzed to ensure the safety and security of its residents. AI can also be used to enhance military logistics, streamline operations, and support crisis management efforts.
Unmanned systems, such as drones and autonomous defense platforms, are also expected to play a significant role in IKN’s defense strategy. These technologies can enhance border security, provide real-time intelligence gathering, and support disaster response operations. The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Indonesia’s defense architecture will offer new opportunities for surveillance, patrols, and monitoring in remote or difficult-to-access areas.
Moreover, the smart infrastructure of IKN itself will contribute to urban security. Through the integration of smart technologies such as surveillance cameras, biometric systems, and real-time data monitoring, IKN will be able to respond more quickly to potential threats. These technologies will not only improve public safety but also enhance the government’s ability to manage resources efficiently during times of crisis.
As Indonesia continues to develop IKN, the adoption of these technological advancements will be vital to ensuring the security and stability of the new capital. The integration of smart infrastructure with defense technologies will enable the creation of a defense system that is both adaptive and resilient, capable of addressing a wide range of security challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Defense Strategy for IKN
The projection of Smart Defense in IKN represents a forward-looking approach to national security, one that is attuned to the challenges of the 21st century. By combining hard and soft defense measures with diplomatic initiatives, Indonesia is positioning itself to address both traditional and emerging threats in a dynamic geopolitical environment. The successful implementation of this strategy will depend on the country’s ability to harness technological innovations, foster regional cooperation, and maintain a flexible and adaptive defense posture. As Indonesia moves forward with the development of its new capital, the Smart Defense framework offers a blueprint for ensuring that IKN not only serves as a political and economic hub but also as a secure and resilient bastion of national defense in an increasingly uncertain world.
