Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian and Chinese governments will establish a Working Level Group to discuss cooperation in the communications and digital sectors at a more technical level. This working group will address the development of artificial intelligence (AI), technology transfer, and the involvement of industrial ecosystems from both nations.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Angga Raka Prabowo, stated that the formation of this working group follows up on discussions held during the Indonesia-China Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue (CSD), which Indonesia hosted for the first time.
"It was discussed that there would be a Working Level Group for this sector," said Angga after attending the Indonesia-China CSD at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to him, the working group will bring together the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) with various counterparts in China. The discussions will also involve industrial ecosystems from both countries, allowing the cooperation to move toward more concrete agendas.
"For instance, regarding Komdigi, our counterparts from China will also involve their industrial ecosystems in our collaboration," said Angga.
The cooperation agenda includes AI development in Indonesia and technology transfer to build a technology bilateral partnership that results in mutual benefits.
Critical Mineral Potential Collaboration
In addition to AI, Indonesia and the PRC also discussed potential cooperation regarding critical minerals. Angga noted that Indonesia possesses critical mineral resources that could potentially be processed into materials supporting the development of microchips and semiconductors.
"Many sectors under Komdigi were discussed, along with future cooperation possibilities such as technology transfer and AI development in Indonesia," said Angga.
These discussions demonstrate that the scope of digital cooperation between Indonesia and China can encompass a broader technology value chain, ranging from AI development to the material requirements of the semiconductor industry.
During the CSD, Angga outlined Indonesia's position regarding global AI governance. According to him, Indonesia has joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), an AI cooperation body initiated in Shanghai that operates under the auspices of the United Nations.
Cooperation between Indonesia and China will also remain grounded in national interests. Angga emphasized that any form of cooperation must benefit both nations without compromising their respective national interests.
Following the establishment of the Working Level Group, sectoral discussions will continue at the next meeting. China’s government is scheduled to host the follow-up meeting in early 2027.
Conclusion
Indonesia and China will establish a working-level group to deepen cooperation in the communications and digital sectors, specifically regarding AI development, technology transfer, and the engagement of both nations' industrial ecosystems. Beyond AI, the two countries discussed the potential use of Indonesia's critical minerals to support the microchip and semiconductor industries.
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