Jakarta, INTI - The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization is creating new investment opportunities while increasing demand for clean energy and digital infrastructure. However, Indonesia must prepare investment-ready projects and develop its human resources to fully capitalize on these opportunities.
Donny Donosepoetro OBE, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia, said that advances in digital technology, including agentic AI, have the potential to accelerate the connection between capital and market demand. These developments could also expand financing opportunities for sustainability initiatives.
“Essentially, investment will accelerate the connection between capital and demand,” Donny said at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2026 on October 7, 2026.
According to Donny, the economic potential of AI across ASEAN is substantial. The technology is projected to contribute approximately US$1 trillion to the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
Meanwhile, investment in AI and cloud computing across Southeast Asia has reached approximately US$200 billion. This significant potential presents an opportunity for Indonesia to attract investment and participate in the region’s expanding digital ecosystem.
However, Donny emphasized that substantial investment needs must be matched by financially viable, or bankable, projects. These projects must also be supported by policies and regulations that provide certainty for investors.
He noted that competition for financing sustainable projects is intensifying. Indonesia must therefore ensure that its projects have sound structures, sufficient scale, and adequate certainty to attract investment.
AI and Energy Transition Are Increasingly Interconnected
Investment needs in AI are closely linked to developments in the energy sector, particularly as data centers require increasing amounts of electricity to operate.
Justin Wu, HSBC’s Head of Climate Change & Sustainability for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, said AI is one of the areas requiring substantial capital allocation. At the same time, technological advancement is increasing demand for affordable, clean, and reliable energy infrastructure.
According to Justin, investment in AI and the energy transition should not be viewed as two separate agendas. The expansion of digital infrastructure requires an adequate electricity supply, while the energy transition depends on investment in cleaner energy sources.
“AI and the energy transition are becoming increasingly complementary. The development of AI will create growing investment needs,” Justin said.
These developments highlight the importance of aligning digital infrastructure investment with clean energy development, while strengthening Indonesia’s talent pool and preparing bankable projects to attract sustainable financing.
Conclusion
AI development and the energy transition present significant investment opportunities for Indonesia. To capitalize on this potential, the country must strengthen its talent pool, develop bankable projects, and establish supportive regulatory frameworks while ensuring reliable access to clean energy and digital infrastructure.
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