Jakarta, INTI – Amid rapid 21st-century technological growth that challenges digital regulation, an important announcement was made on Monday, 17 November 2025, when Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Nezar Patria stressed the need for stronger AI governance. Facing weak regulatory readiness and rising AI-related risks, he asserted that collaboration between universities and industry is the most effective way forward. This cooperation enables research, innovation, and ethical balance in technology use. The momentum was strengthened through the strategic partnership between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Telkom to establish an AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE). The initiative is now seen as a concrete model for how Indonesia can build a more mature AI ecosystem.
Research Collaboration as the Foundation for AI Governance
Nezar Patria stressed that collaboration between universities and industry is an effective governance model for preparing Indonesia’s national AI ecosystem. According to him, collaborative research is a key force that strengthens regulatory readiness and guides the direction of AI development in the country.
He noted that the partnership between UGM and Telkom in establishing the AI CoE reflects the academic community’s real contribution to creating standards and frameworks that can serve as national references.
UGM’s AI Center of Excellence as a Driver of the Digital Economy
The Deputy Minister explained that the AI Center of Excellence at Universitas Gadjah Mada will function as a major research hub supporting the acceleration of Indonesia’s digital economy. He added that the establishment of this research center represents an ideal collaboration that bridges academic expertise with industrial capabilities.
He also expressed appreciation to Telkom for its support in realizing the AI CoE, which is expected to become a catalyst for cross-sector innovation.
AI Roadmap and Ethics Toward National Regulation
Nezar further revealed that the Ministry of Communication and Digital has prepared a National AI Development Roadmap and AI Ethics Framework, which are currently in the process of being formalized into a Presidential Regulation. These documents will guide cross-sector AI development while setting standards for risk mitigation.
The framework will complement existing digital regulations such as the Personal Data Protection Law and the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, ensuring that digital technological growth proceeds safely and responsibly.
A Call for Broader Cross-Sector Collaboration
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the world is currently in a critical phase of global technological development, making cross-institutional collaboration essential to ensure Indonesia keeps pace.
He believes the initiative by UGM and Telkom can serve as a model for other universities and institutions. According to him, the more collaborations that are established, the stronger the foundation for Indonesia’s national AI governance will become.
Conclusion
Wamenkomdigi’s remarks affirm that collaboration between campuses and industry is not merely a strategy but a necessity for building adaptive, safe, and inclusive AI governance. With the establishment of the AI CoE at UGM and the preparation of the national AI roadmap and ethics framework toward formal regulation, Indonesia is moving toward a more structured and sustainable foundation for artificial intelligence development.
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