Jakarta, INTI - Habib Aboe Bakar Alhabsyi, together with the Artificial Intelligence Working Committee (Panja AI) of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), conducted a working visit to Batam, Riau Islands, from August 18–20, 2026. The visit was part of the Panja AI’s efforts to assess the development of AI infrastructure and gather industry insights on Indonesia’s challenges and opportunities within the global AI ecosystem.
During the visit, BKSAP DPR RI Panja AI member Habib Aboe Bakar Alhabsyi emphasized that AI development cannot be separated from the readiness of digital infrastructure, including data centers and computing capacity.
“We came here not only to see the facilities and technology available. For us at the BKSAP Artificial Intelligence Working Committee, this visit is part of an effort to gain a firsthand understanding of how the development of artificial intelligence in Indonesia is being translated into real infrastructure,” Habib Aboe Bakar said during a meeting with the management of NeutraDC Nxera Batam.
He said the visit to Batam was particularly significant because BKSAP DPR RI not only carries out parliamentary diplomacy, but also regularly contributes to the drafting of resolutions at various regional parliamentary forums, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).
“BKSAP DPR RI regularly leads the drafting of resolutions at regional parliamentary forums such as AIPA. On this occasion, we at BKSAP need to explore several issues further and gather input from all of you,” he said.
Batam’s Strategic Role in ASEAN’s Digital Economy
One of the issues examined by the Panja AI was the need to establish AI standards and governance frameworks that can support cross-border digital economic development. Habib Aboe Bakar said the DPR needs insights from industry players on technical standards, AI ethics harmonization, and the most urgent data governance issues to bring to the ASEAN parliamentary forum.
“What technical standards, AI ethics harmonization, or ASEAN Data Governance issues are most urgent for the DPR to raise in an AIPA resolution to support cross-border data center businesses?” he asked.
According to him, these issues are becoming increasingly important as demand for cross-border digital connectivity continues to grow. With its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Batam is considered a potential key hub for the development of the regional data center ecosystem and digital economy.
The Panja AI also explored how the DPR could encourage the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to generate greater benefits for Indonesia’s competitiveness, particularly for Batam.
“How can the DPR encourage the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, or DEFA, to strengthen Batam’s competitive position?” Habib Aboe Bakar said.
Advancing Inclusive Global AI Governance
Beyond ASEAN’s regional interests, the BKSAP Panja AI also highlighted Indonesia’s position in global AI governance. Habib Aboe Bakar argued that developing countries need a stronger voice in shaping the direction of AI development, particularly regarding access to high-performance computing infrastructure. He pointed to the tendency for global AI governance narratives to be heavily influenced by developed economies, including the United States, European countries, and China.
“In international forums such as the IPU, G20, and United Nations, global AI governance is often dominated by narratives from developed countries that tend to be protectionist toward high-performance computing technologies,” he explained.
For this reason, the Panja AI sought direct industry perspectives on the barriers Indonesia faces in gaining access to High-Performance Computing (HPC) and global AI technologies.
“From NeutraDC’s practical perspective, what are the main challenges Indonesia faces in gaining access to High-Performance Computing and global AI technologies?” he asked.
Habib Aboe Bakar stressed that Indonesia must advocate for a more inclusive approach to global AI governance. He said AI development should not benefit only countries that already possess substantial capital, computing infrastructure, technology, and talent. Developing countries, he argued, should have fairer opportunities to build their national AI capabilities.
“What principles of fairness, technology transfer, and infrastructure accessibility should BKSAP DPR RI advocate for in global parliamentary forums so that developing countries do not become merely AI consumers?” Habib Aboe Bakar asked.
He emphasized that Indonesia’s experience in developing AI and data center infrastructure in Batam could serve as an important foundation for parliamentary diplomacy.
Conclusion
Batam’s strategic position and growing digital infrastructure could play an important role in strengthening Indonesia’s position within the regional AI and data center ecosystem. Through the BKSAP Panja AI, Indonesia is also seeking to ensure that AI governance, infrastructure access, and technology development remain inclusive, giving developing countries a stronger voice in shaping the future of AI.
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