Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian government reaffirmed that artificial intelligence must be widely accessible to the public and not controlled by a limited group of stakeholders.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria emphasized that the state has chosen to be involved from the outset through policy frameworks, public investment, and strategic partnerships to ensure that AI delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
“The digital revolution, powered by artificial intelligence, must serve as a force for equity, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” he said during the Official Pre-Summit Event: India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Building Sovereign and Inclusive AI Foundations
According to Nezar, Indonesia and India hold strategic positions as both countries are experiencing rapid growth in their digital economies.
This scale creates opportunities to leverage AI to address public challenges, rather than merely pursuing technological advancement.
“This parallel growth is not merely a matter of scale, but also represents a major shared opportunity to deploy AI solutions that address our most pressing national challenges, ranging from financial inclusion to climate resilience,” he explained.
Deputy Minister Nezar stressed that the benefits of AI can only be widely realized if the state invests in the right foundational elements.
Indonesia is preparing a National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap that prioritizes ethics, human-centered design, and talent development as key pillars toward achieving Indonesia Emas 2045.
At the same time, Nezar noted that India’s experience through the IndiaAI Mission offers valuable lessons for Indonesia, particularly in expanding access to computing resources and high-quality data so that innovation remains affordable and non-elitist.
“This holistic approach is a powerful model for Indonesia,” he emphasized.
He further underscored that public investment in AI infrastructure is essential to ensure startups, researchers, and regional talent can participate on an equal footing.
“The lesson for Indonesia is clear: strategic public investment in fundamental AI infrastructure is the key to unlocking broad and inclusive AI innovation,” he asserted.
Nezar also highlighted the importance of Sovereign AI in safeguarding national interests and protecting citizens’ data.
AI must be developed, governed, and deployed by leveraging national data, talent, and infrastructure to ensure that resulting solutions are culturally relevant and safe to use.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is our blueprint for action,” Nezar stated, referring to the cooperation between Indonesia and India that designates AI and Digital Public Infrastructure as key priorities.
Strengthening Technology and Semiconductor Supply Chains
Beyond software, Deputy Minister Nezar highlighted the importance of strengthening the supply chain for foundational technologies.
Indonesia and India are seen as complementary partners in advancing the semiconductor industry.
“Indonesia, with its rich mineral resources, and India, with its ambitious semiconductor mission, are uniquely positioned to build a resilient end-to-end supply chain,” he explained.
Concluding his remarks, Nezar emphasized that today’s policy choices will determine who benefits from AI in the future.
“The future of AI is being written in Asia, and the partnership between India and Indonesia will be a defining chapter,” he asserted.
The dialogue formed part of preparations for the AI Impact Summit 2026 and reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring that AI development aligns with public interests, data protection, and equitable access to technological benefits.
The event was attended by the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty, President Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison Vikram Sinha, Director of Digital Ecosystem Infrastructure and Security at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) Andianto Haryoko, as well as Partner and Country Head of MSC Southeast Asia Grace Retnowati.
Conclusion
The Indonesia–India partnership marks a strategic step toward building sovereign, inclusive, and sustainable AI ecosystems. By aligning policy, infrastructure, talent development, and industrial collaboration, both countries are positioning AI not merely as a technological advancement, but as a public good that drives equitable growth, protects national interests, and ensures shared benefits for society in the digital era.
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