The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is pushing central banks to strengthen joint efforts to maintain financial stability and the resilience of the regional financial system (05/10).

Regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important to build trusted AI governance, strengthen supervisory capacity, and make better use of technology for payment systems and financial inclusion.

Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Ricky P. Gozali said AI challenges need to be addressed jointly by countries. He made the remarks at the opening of the South East Asian Central Banks (SEACEN) Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

SEACEN Central Banks Set Three AI Priorities

Ricky outlined three priorities for central banks in the AI era. The first is to establish AI governance that is trusted, transparent, and accountable.

The second priority is to use AI to create payment ecosystems that are more efficient, secure, inclusive, and resilient.

The third is to strengthen regional cooperation through SEACEN through policy dialogue, capacity building, and joint research.

“AI presents challenges that need to be faced together by various countries,” Ricky said.

“AI presents challenges that cannot be faced by one country alone. Through collaboration in the region, such as SEACEN, we can develop a common approach that encourages innovation while maintaining financial system stability,” Ricky stressed.

Ricky also highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and experience as technological development continues to accelerate.

“As technological transformation accelerates, shared knowledge and experience will become increasingly valuable in shaping the future of central banking,” Ricky said.

Payment Interoperability Supports Regional Integration

The SEACEN Centre Executive Director, Cynyoung Park, highlighted the importance of cross-border payment system interoperability in supporting economic integration in the region.

She said connections between payment systems need compatible standards and regulations. They also require clear frameworks for liquidity management and transaction settlement risks.

Strengthening these foundations will support wider payment connectivity for regional trade and investment.

Trust Is Important for AI and Financial Stability

Philip Schellekens, Chief Economist of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the importance of trust as a foundation for the role of central banks amid AI development.

He said central banks need to understand the changes created by AI in the economy and technology. They also need to anticipate systemic risks from dependence on certain AI platform providers.

Trust is a key foundation for central banks to maintain stability and ensure that AI use provides wider benefits to the economy.

The conference, titled “Central Banking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Payments, Regulation, and Financial Stability for a Connected Asia,” brought together different perspectives on AI development and its implications for central bank policies.

Panel discussions featured speakers from the European Central Bank, Bank of Korea, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Banque de France, Asian Development Bank Institute, University of Tokyo, Kolaborasi Riset dan Inovasi Industri Kecerdasan Artifisial (KORIKA), and Bank Rakyat Indonesia.

SEACEN Strengthens Governance and Collaboration

The conference continued with the 25th SEACEN Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting on October 6, 2026, chaired by Ricky. The meeting discussed strengthening SEACEN's governance and institutional structure as a center for learning and collaboration among central banks in the region.

“Strengthening governance, organizational effectiveness, and accountability are important foundations to ensure that collaboration through SEACEN continues to provide added value for its members,” Ricky said.

Bank Indonesia will continue to strengthen synergy and collaboration with central banks and international partners to improve the region's readiness to build a financial ecosystem that is innovative, secure, inclusive, and resilient.

PHOTO: CENTRAL BANK OF INDONESIA

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