Indonesia and India are charting a new path for artificial intelligence with a focus on inclusivity (21/01).

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria stated that AI must be widely accessible and not controlled by a small group of entities.

“Digital revolution, supported by artificial intelligence, must function as a force for equality, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” Nezar said during the Official Pre-Summit Event: India-AI Impact Summit 2026 at Hotel Le Meridien, Jakarta Pusat.

Both countries are experiencing rapid digital economic growth, creating opportunities to apply AI to public challenges, rather than only advancing technology.

Strategic Investments and Policies for Public Benefit

Wamen Nezar emphasized that the benefits of AI will be widespread only if governments invest in the right foundations.

Indonesia has developed a National AI Roadmap prioritizing ethics, human-centered design, and talent development, aiming toward Indonesia Emas 2045.

“Parallel growth is not only about scale, but also represents a major opportunity to apply AI solutions that address our most urgent national challenges, from financial inclusion to climate resilience,” he explained.

Lessons from India’s AI Experience

India’s experience with the IndiaAI Mission provides important guidance for Indonesia, particularly in ensuring open access to computing resources and quality data so innovation is not expensive or elitist.

“This holistic approach is a powerful model for Indonesia,” Nezar stated. He also highlighted that strategic public investment in AI infrastructure allows startups, researchers, and regional talent to participate equally.

Building AI Infrastructure and Protecting National Interests

The Deputy Minister underlined the importance of sovereign AI to safeguard national interests and citizens’ data. AI systems should be developed, regulated, and implemented using national data, talent, and infrastructure to ensure relevance and safety.

“Memoranda of understanding between Indonesia and India provide our blueprint for action,” Nezar said, referring to their cooperation prioritizing AI and public digital infrastructure.

Strengthening Technology Supply Chains

Beyond software, Wamen Nezar noted the importance of strengthening basic technology supply chains. Indonesia and India complement each other in the semiconductor sector.

“Indonesia, with its mineral resources, and India, with its ambitious semiconductor mission, are uniquely positioned to build a resilient end-to-end supply chain,” he explained.

He concluded that policy choices made today will determine who benefits from AI in the future.

“The future of AI is being written in Asia, and the India-Indonesia partnership will be a decisive chapter,” Nezar stated.

The dialogue was part of preparations for the AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to AI development aligned with public interest, data protection, and equitable access.

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL AFFAIRS

This article was created with AI assistance.

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