Denpasar (ANTARA) –
National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan invited Tsinghua University of Beijing to participate in artificial intelligence (AI) research projects at the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“I want to see Tsinghua University participating in AI research on this island in the very near term. If possible, I prefer the collaboration to begin this year,” he said at the China-Southeast Asia Forum on Higher Education and Industry Cooperation 2026.
Speaking at the Kura Kura Bali SEZ in Denpasar on Sunday, Luhut highlighted the establishment of an AI research center within the zone and expressed hope that Tsinghua would contribute talent and technological expertise to strengthen the facility.
He noted that a partnership with Tsinghua would be important to Indonesia’s ongoing transition toward a Government Technology (GovTech) model aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of public services while reducing corruption risks.
President Prabowo Subianto has instructed all stakeholders to make every effort to advance the GovTech initiative, Luhut added.
He also stressed the need for Indonesia and China to elevate their bilateral cooperation beyond industrial investment and technology transfer by pursuing more innovation-driven partnerships.
“We want more than equipment. We want researchers, science, and an ecosystem for innovation,” said Luhut, who has held several ministerial posts.
With that in mind, he encouraged Tsinghua to collaborate with Indonesian partners on laboratory development, research programs, research funding, and scientific publications.
He noted that the Kura Kura Bali SEZ is strategically positioned to spearhead impactful cooperation in education, research, and industry involving Indonesia, China, and other stakeholders across Southeast Asia.
Such cooperation, he added, is expected to help transform Bali into a hub for talent development, technology, and research by connecting academia with industry and strengthening Indonesia’s position in Southeast Asia’s innovation race.
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Translator: R. Nampu, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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