Indonesia is taking significant steps to enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. The country will establish the National Cyber and Artificial Intelligence Task Force to strengthen national digital resilience and safeguard human rights. Andika Dwi Prasetya, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction, stated that the formation of the task force aims to enhance regulations and governance related to AI and cybersecurity, ensuring they are just and fair.
He emphasized the significance of cross-sector synergy, noting that establishing the task force will reinforce national digital resilience. Deputy Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus highlighted the importance of comprehensive digital transformation, including the use of data analytics, cloud computing, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to drive digital innovation and resilience. He explained that the task force is a strategic move to confront challenges and maximize opportunities in digital technology.
Representatives from relevant ministries and agencies have agreed to form the task force to more effectively respond to the increasingly complex developments in the cyber and AI sectors. Indonesia is actively promoting AI development, aiming to balance technological innovation with the enhancement of human values and capabilities. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, shared insights during the “Indonesia’s Future: A Multidisciplinary Approach” symposium held in Jakarta.
Pratikno emphasised that Indonesia’s focus on AI goes beyond simply automating processes to improve efficiency. Instead, the country is committed to using AI as a tool to strengthen and elevate noble human values. He also noted that AI is no longer just a concept for the future but is already present in everyday life, fundamentally transforming how people work, think, and live.
Indonesia’s AI and cybersecurity initiative
Given this reality, Indonesia chooses not only to adopt AI technology but to guide its development along a new and thoughtful path. Pratikno underlined that adopting AI must be grounded in ethical principles because AI systems are not neutral.
They learn from humans, absorbing both their reasoning and their flaws. To support this direction, the Indonesian government is preparing an AI Road Map designed to serve as a comprehensive guideline for creating an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem in the country. Additionally, the government has identified five priority sectors for AI development: health, digital talent education, bureaucratic reform, smart city development, and food security.
Indonesia aims to lead ASEAN’s digital economy and advance AI development by emphasizing regional cooperation, AI ethics, and bolstering digital infrastructure, according to Indonesian Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria. Patria highlighted Indonesia’s significant influence within ASEAN’s digital ecosystem. “ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, with US$366 billion expected to come from Indonesia,” he said.
Indonesia, with a population of 280 million, accounts for around 40% of ASEAN’s population and plays a major role in the region’s digital growth. Internet penetration in Indonesia has surged to 80%, up from under 70% five years ago, and 97% of residential areas now have 4G coverage. The government’s current focus is on accelerating the transition to 5G networks.
Indonesia’s commitment to digital advancement is expected to significantly bolster ASEAN’s overall digital economy and place the region at the forefront of global technology development.
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