Indonesian Weapons Manufacturer, UK Company Establish Cyber Security Division

Bandung, W.Java (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian state-owned weapons manufacturer Pindad established a strategic partnership with world-class British defense equipment company BAE Systems to set up a cyber security division.

"Pindad needs to establish a cyber security division as it will play an important role in protecting the nation's assets and economy from the threat of cyber attacks," Executive Director of Pindad Silmy Karim stated in a press release received by Antara here on Thursday (September 17).

The cooperation agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Defense & Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2015 exhibition in London on September 17.

Silmy noted that the cooperation is aimed at realizing the dual use of defense technology to protect Indonesia's strategic assets from cyber attacks.

He said the authorities claimed that cyber crimes and bank hacking cases were on the rise in Indonesia.

Such crimes increase in proportion with the rise in internet users in Indonesia, which has reached about 85 million, while the awareness on the use of software and security devices is still low.

This condition has necessitated Pindad to optimize the dual use of technology in the field of defense to support the development of software and hardware for ensuring cyber security.

Silmy stated that cyber security cooperation gives Pindad an opportunity to gain entry into the defense industry and business of BAE Systems.

"In addition to cyber security, the scope of cooperation also includes other defense products of BAE Systems. This is a great strategy to foster partnerships with the world's leading industry players to accelerate the mastery and development of technology and become part of the global supply chain of the world-class defense industry," he emphasized.

BAE Systems is known as one of the world's leading players in the defense business and industry, with more than 80 thousand employees and operating in 40 countries.

In Indonesia, BAE Systems has supported the development of banking security systems and other government departments. (WDY)