Jakarta, INTI - Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, emphasized the need to strengthen knowledge, investment, and infrastructure as key strategies to address the gap in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Indonesia.
Speaking in Jakarta on April 16, she highlighted the dominance of developed countries in AI development and utilization.
“We must face reality based on data. We need to build the right and specialized capabilities, invest in areas that align with Indonesia’s needs, and develop domestic infrastructure once the necessary resources are in place,” she stated.
Focus on Specialization and National Research
Stella explained that one of the primary gaps lies in knowledge, as AI patents and scientific publications are still largely dominated by developed nations.
She stressed that Indonesia should identify and focus on areas of national strength, such as seaweed research, which holds strong potential as a strategic commodity.
This targeted approach is expected to enhance national competitiveness through more focused and impactful research development.
Infrastructure and Data Sovereignty as Key Drivers
Beyond knowledge, Stella underscored the importance of infrastructure development, particularly in data management, which is a core component of AI systems.
According to her, AI relies on data, algorithms, and processing capabilities, making data availability a critical strategic asset for the country.
“AI should be used to support development, not the other way around. With the right strategies in education, investment, and infrastructure, we can narrow the gap and improve national competitiveness,” she said.
She also highlighted the need to develop data centers supported by stable and sustainable energy, as well as stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and private sector through research partnerships.
These efforts are expected to accelerate the growth of Indonesia’s AI ecosystem while reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
Conclusion
Stella Christie’s call highlights the urgency for Indonesia to take a more strategic and focused approach in developing its AI ecosystem. By strengthening education, investing in targeted research, and building robust data infrastructure, the country can reduce its reliance on foreign technologies and enhance its global competitiveness. A coordinated effort across sectors will be key to ensuring that AI becomes a driver of national development.
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