Indonesia stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. As one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, the country has the potential to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI). Chapter 4 of Indonesia’s AI Future Report outlines a roadmap that emphasizes quick wins, long-term goals, and sector-specific strategies. This Indonesia AI strategy highlights the importance of talent development, digitalization, and collaborative governance to ensure meaningful adoption.

Building the Foundations for AI Adoption

The Indonesia AI strategy begins with strengthening the fundamental building blocks of adoption. This includes improving infrastructure, harmonizing data governance, and creating clear policies for AI implementation. Establishing a national task force is recommended to coordinate efforts across ministries, industries, and academic institutions.

The strategy also emphasizes adaptive regulation, such as regulatory sandboxes, which allow for innovation without stifling growth. By providing a controlled environment for experimentation, Indonesia can encourage startups and businesses to test AI solutions while maintaining consumer protection.

Quick Wins: Digitalization, Talent, and AI Initiatives

To accelerate progress, the Indonesia AI strategy identifies quick wins that can deliver immediate impact. These include expanding digital infrastructure, advancing digital literacy, and supporting sectoral AI projects.

1. Digitalization – Expanding connectivity and promoting open data initiatives to enable efficient AI integration in government and business operations.
2. Digital Talent – Upskilling and reskilling the workforce across all levels of society, ensuring inclusivity in AI education, and preparing mitigation plans for job displacement.
3. AI-Focused Initiatives – Launching pilot projects in healthcare, education, and finance that demonstrate the practical benefits of AI adoption.

These quick wins are not only practical but also serve as confidence-building measures to encourage broader adoption.

Unlocking Sector-Specific Benefits

The Indonesia AI strategy emphasizes that sectoral applications of AI will determine the country’s success. In e-commerce, AI can enhance consumer trust through transparent algorithms. In finance, strengthening ethical frameworks and security measures is crucial. In healthcare, regulatory clarity and partnerships with global tech leaders can accelerate adoption.

Meanwhile, sustainability offers long-term benefits. By applying AI to environmental data, Indonesia can address deforestation, disaster risks, and renewable energy management, aligning digital transformation with climate goals.

Collaboration and Governance for the Future

A defining feature of the Indonesia AI strategy is its call for multi-stakeholder collaboration. Government, industry, academia, and civil society must work together to build a trusted and inclusive AI ecosystem. Policies must remain adaptive, with strong mechanisms to monitor ethical implementation.

By embedding inclusivity and ethics at the core, the Indonesia AI strategy ensures that innovation benefits all layers of society, not just large corporations or urban centers.

Conclusion

The Indonesia AI strategy represents both an immediate roadmap and a long-term vision. By prioritizing digital infrastructure, talent development, quick wins, and sector-specific applications, Indonesia can position itself as a regional leader in AI. With collaborative governance and inclusive policies, the country can transform AI from a technological trend into a driver of sustainable national progress.

Sources:

• Indonesia’s AI Future Report, Chapter 4: How Indonesia Should Move Forward (2025)
• World Bank Global Trends in AI Governance, 2025