Indonesia has foundation to develop advanced AI: Deputy Minister

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4 hours ago

We must master AI—not just at the surface level by using the engines,

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has affirmed that Indonesia possesses the fundamental elements needed to develop advanced digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Nezar, this foundation consists of robust digital infrastructure and connectivity, a growing pool of digital talent, and forward-looking regulatory frameworks designed to balance technological innovation with user security.

Speaking at a public discussion in West Jakarta on Thursday (September 10), the deputy minister highlighted the country’s rapid internet adoption, noting that internet penetration in Indonesia has reached 80.6 percent, or approximately 234 million of the country’s 270 million people.

“I believe this is a distinct strength that enables AI to grow,” Nezar said, adding that 4G LTE coverage currently reaches 97 percent of Indonesian territory, enabling widespread access to digital and AI-based solutions.

However, he emphasized the need to upgrade to high-quality, low-latency infrastructure, such as fiber-optic networks and 5G, to meet the demands of advanced AI processing and rapid decision-making.

With national 5G coverage currently standing at around 10 percent, Nezar said the government is actively pushing to expand coverage to 50 percent within the next two to three years.

Alongside physical infrastructure, human capital development remains a core focus for the ministry to ensure Indonesia becomes an active contributor to the global technology economy.

“We need to educate our younger generation to become developers and innovators in the AI field and secure a place in the global supply chain of the international AI industry,” Nezar said.

“We must master AI—not just at the surface level by using the engines, but by understanding how the ecosystem evolves,” he added.

To support this expansion, the government is preparing a comprehensive regulatory framework to guide responsible innovation.

Existing measures include the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, the Personal Data Protection Law, and an official circular letter on AI ethics.

Work is currently underway on the National AI Roadmap and formal AI ethical guidelines.

Nezar assured businesses and innovators that upcoming policies aim to nurture rather than restrict the technology sector.

“Do not be afraid of the regulations being created. There is no intention to stifle development,” Nezar said.

“This is simply to ensure that technological advancement benefits everyone, risks are mitigated, and we can reap greater rewards,” he added.

Economic projections support the administration’s push into the sector, with AI adoption estimated to contribute US$366 billion to Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.