Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia and India have entered a new chapter of digital cooperation by expanding their partnership in research, technology development, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, said the longstanding relationship between the two countries, dating back to the historic spice trade, provides a strong foundation for deeper collaboration in technology.
According to Nezar, the partnership will focus on joint technology research, digital talent development, digital infrastructure, and innovation that delivers tangible benefits for society.
“Indonesia and India are not competitors in AI development but two countries that can complement each other,” Nezar said.
He added that India is a natural partner for Indonesia due to its extensive experience in building digital public infrastructure.
Indonesia, meanwhile, offers significant advantages for AI development, including a growing young population, abundant strategic resources, and strong potential to expand its digital technology ecosystem.
Advancing AI Ecosystem and Research Investment
Nezar stated that Indonesia’s AI Roadmap provides the foundation for transforming the Indonesia–India partnership into concrete implementation.
The government reaffirmed that Indonesia aims to become an active developer of AI technologies rather than simply a consumer of global AI solutions.
“Indonesia wants to play a greater role in building and advancing AI technology,” Nezar said.
To support this ambition, Indonesia is strengthening key AI enablers, including software development, computing infrastructure, data centers, and digital talent.
The country also possesses strategic advantages such as abundant nickel reserves, critical minerals, a large young workforce, and a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region.
Digital Cooperation to Drive AI Investment
The partnership gained further momentum following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Indonesia, which resulted in the signing of 16 new bilateral agreements.
Both countries agreed to deepen digital economic cooperation through digital payment system integration and the development of the Indonesia Open Network as a foundation for future AI collaboration.
As part of the next phase, Nezar encouraged AI researcher exchanges, startup collaboration, and greater research and development (R&D) investment by Indian technology companies in Indonesia.
He also invited the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Indcham) to help identify Indian technology firms, including AI startups and IT service providers, that are ready to establish research and development centers in Indonesia.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs emphasized that the partnership is designed to generate technological innovation with tangible benefits for both nations while supporting Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
Conclusion
By expanding cooperation with India, Indonesia is accelerating the development of its AI ecosystem through research, digital infrastructure, talent development, and investment. The partnership reflects both countries’ shared commitment to advancing innovation and building a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.
Read more: Indonesia Proposes Stronger Regional AI Education Collaboration at China-ASEAN Forum