Jakarta, INTI – In a brief interview session with Inti Media at INTI Expo 2025, held at JIExpo Kemayoran on October 28, 2025, the Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency BRIN, Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, shared his views on the direction of research and the future of Indonesia’s national AI ecosystem. He stressed that research and innovation are the main foundations that define Indonesia’s position in the global technology landscape, and are key to ensuring that AI utilization is not merely consumption-oriented, but capable of creating added value and differentiation based on local knowledge assets.
AI Must Be Built on Local Context
Handoko explained that Indonesia’s AI research ecosystem is now moving towards strengthening differentiation through local context. According to him, BRIN has encouraged researchers, digital talents, and industry players to optimize the utilization of intellectual resources and data that reflect Indonesia’s unique local richness. This is essential to ensure that the AI being developed is not only aligned with global standards, but also offers a unique, original, and contextually relevant perspective for Indonesia.
Indonesia Holds Data That Other Countries Do Not Have
In his remarks, Handoko also revealed that BRIN currently holds various large-scale datasets that are extremely rich and not necessarily owned by other countries ranging from biodiversity data, archaeological data, to behavioral (influencing) data. The next challenge, he added, is how to turn these datasets into products and solutions with industrial competitiveness. He mentioned that several research-based products have already begun to be developed by knowledge-driven industries in Indonesia.
Digital Talent Development Must Be Integrated with Industry
Furthermore, Handoko emphasized that strengthening AI talent cannot stand alone. Indonesia must be able to create new talent, retain existing talent, and continuously improve their capabilities. However, this process requires a strong industry presence as a space for careers and contribution. Without a solid industry, talents will eventually move to other countries or global markets. This means that strengthening the national AI industry is vital for sustaining and growing Indonesia’s digital talent.
Conclusion
BRIN encourages that research, data, industry, and digital talent must be managed in an integrated manner to create a strong and globally competitive national AI ecosystem. Indonesia holds enormous potential, and this momentum must be leveraged to develop AI technologies that do not merely adopt, but also generate innovations rooted in local character.
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