Luhut Urges Development of Cybersecurity Human Resources Through Research Collaboration and HIDC

Indonesia requires more experts to face increasing cyber threats. According to data from the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), 1.52 billion cyber attacks were recorded between 1 January and 15 April 2026.

Founder of IT Del and Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, assessed that the rising threat of cybersecurity and advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) demand the preparation of human resources with specialised cybersecurity capabilities. Consequently, IT Del is focusing on teaching AI alongside the development of cybersecurity competencies.

“Cybersecurity threats are increasing, while artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve. We need to focus on building human resources with cybersecurity skills. IT Del is also paying attention to teaching artificial intelligence so that the younger generation is prepared to face technological developments,” Luhund stated in a written statement on Saturday (26/9/2026).

Amidst the need to strengthen national digital defence, Spentera Group, a company operating in the cybersecurity sector, is encouraging the growth of national talent by hosting the grand final of the annual hacking competition, the Hacktrace Independence Day Competition (HIDC) 2026, at the Del Institute of Technology (IT Del) in Balige recently.

The preliminary rounds of the competition took place from 17 August 2026. From 410 participants organised into 136 teams, three teams consisting of nine participants advanced to the final round. Participants arrived from various regions in Indonesia, including from abroad.

Meanwhile, Co-Founder & Owner of Spentera Group, Royke Lumban Tobing, stated that the massive scale of cyber threats must be met by accelerating the preparation of human resources. According to him, the industry’s demand for cybersecurity experts far exceeds the current availability of talent.

“We need far more ethical cybersecurity experts. The gap between demand and the availability of human resources is still too large. Cybersecurity is a vital part of national security. Maintaining cybersecurity means helping to maintain national sovereignty and protecting citizens,” said Royke.

The HIDC 2026 grand final brought together the teams Boys Who ChatGPT, Petir Pemecut Handal, and HIB Hoshiyomis. The finalists were under the age of 30, comprising both students and professionals, some of whom have worked internationally.

Testing Skills in Real-World Scenarios

HIDC challenges participants through eight stages that test more than just the ability to find vulnerabilities in digital systems. The challenges include physical security, such as opening locks and safes, the use of software-defined radio (SDR), testing attacks through a red team approach, and defensive responses through a blue team approach.

According to Royke, these scenarios were designed based on Spentera’s experience handling cybersecurity needs for clients. Thus, participants practice assessing risks, formulating strategies, working in teams, and making decisions as required in cybersecurity professions. Total prizes up for grabs reached Rp170 million.

“Our hope is that participants do not stop as competition winners. They can develop into cybersecurity engineers capable of building the cyber security required by companies in Indonesia, and even the nation, and are able to compete in the global market. Furthermore, we also want the HIDC 2026 competition in Balige, North Sumatra, to encourage the distribution of cybersecurity talent so that it is not just centred on Java Island. Hopefully, in the future, the global market will no longer look to India for IT talent, but to Indonesia,” expressed Royke.

Collaboration Bridges Campus and Industry Needs

The selection of the Del Institute of Technology (IT Del) as the location for the HIDC 2026 hacker competition grand final aims to foster the emergence of young cybersecurity talent. IT Del focuses its studies on the field of artificial intelligence. This effort was strengthened by the signing of a research, innovation, and internship programme agreement between IT Del and Spentera Group.

The signing of the agreement with Spentera Group is a follow-up step to connect research and capacity development with industry needs. Previously, Spentera has also collaborated on cybersecurity research with the University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University.

Meanwhile, the Rector of IT Del, Prof. Arnaldo Marulitua Sinaga, stated that the collaboration between academia and industry helps students understand the technological security challenges faced in the professional world.

“Our effort is to form cybersecurity talent. We see the importance of security in the field of technology. IT Del also wants to contribute to this field,” said Arnuardo.

Through the annual HIDC competition, Spentera hopes that more young people will be interested in pursuing cybersecurity professions. The company is also preparing certification programmes to help talent develop skills relevant to industry needs.

Meanwhile, one participant who has worked for a Russian company, Ahmad Zainuri, expressed the importance of building cybersecurity human resources in the era of artificial intelligence.

“In this AI era, it is easier for people to perform hacking, so cyber threats are increasing. Therefore, the need for human resources with the ability to defend against cyber attacks is essential,” explained Ahmad.

Another participant who has worked in Singapore, Linuz Tri Eriyanto, emphasised the importance of building ethics for young hackers.

“White hat hacker, the term for hackers who respect ethics, is very important to build through competitions like this, so that young hackers do not fall into harmful actions,” concluded Linuz.