Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian government is planning to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) across several priority programs, including the free nutritious meal program (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG), which is valued at around US$15 billion, according to a draft presidential regulation currently being prepared.
Citing Reuters, the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to drive economic growth through the development, facilitation, and application of AI, particularly within President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programs.
The draft suggests that AI could potentially boost Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 12%, or approximately US$366 billion by 2030.
It also outlines a national roadmap for AI adoption across ministries and regional governments from 2026 to 2029. The goal is not only to accelerate economic growth but also to strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in AI utilization at both regional and global levels.
Reuters reported that the draft regulation has not been previously disclosed and is currently awaiting approval from President Prabowo.
AI Implementation in MBG and Public Health Services
Wahyudi Djafar, a technology analyst involved in drafting parts of the regulation and a member of the government’s AI task force, said companies such as Meta, IBM, and Microsoft contributed to the drafting process.
Microsoft has also previously announced a US$1.7 billion investment to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in Indonesia.
Under the MBG program, AI is expected to be used to design region-specific meal menus, monitor kitchen hygiene, predict food demand, detect potential operational issues, and integrate health data to provide early warnings during emergencies.
Challenges, Risks, and Policy Safeguards
However, the free meal program has recently faced scrutiny over transparency issues.
Reuters noted that the program’s head was dismissed and arrested earlier this month. Several operational problems have also been reported, including issues in kitchen construction.
Safety standards and emergency response mechanisms have also been criticized after tens of thousands of children suffered food poisoning incidents last year. The program has raised concerns about spending efficiency amid limited fiscal space.
The draft regulation states that AI-driven automation could significantly improve organizational efficiency while reducing operational costs. Beyond the free meal program, AI is also planned to support health screening initiatives, including free medical checkups and tuberculosis testing.
On the other hand, some analysts believe Indonesia is not yet ready to become an AI developer, citing limitations in infrastructure such as semiconductor chips and a shortage of skilled AI talent.
Derwin Suhartono, Professor of AI at Bina Nusantara University, said Indonesia is still not competitive in the global AI race and risks becoming merely a consumer of foreign-developed technologies. He added that while AI could be applied in government programs with a well-structured roadmap, current implementation remains largely rhetorical.
The regulation is built upon a white paper released last year.
It also reaffirms plans to establish a sovereign AI fund, which would primarily be managed by Danantara Indonesia.
The government further proposes tax incentives for AI researchers and efforts to expand the talent pool to address the shortage of experts in the field.
Alongside AI adoption plans, the government is also preparing a supporting regulation requiring public institutions to report AI-related risks, including biometric misuse, intellectual property violations, and deepfake abuse.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s planned AI integration into key national programs, including MBG and healthcare services, reflects a major step toward digital transformation. However, the success of this initiative will depend on infrastructure readiness, talent development, and strong regulatory safeguards to ensure responsible and effective AI implementation.
Read more: Kemkomdigi: AI Regulations are Being Developed to Boost Innovation and Productivity