Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia has officially become one of the founding members of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), an international organization established to promote global cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI). According to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia's participation reflects the country's commitment to fostering inclusive, responsible, and collaborative AI governance while supporting the continued growth of its digital economy.
Speaking during a virtual press conference on 17 July 2026, Airlangga stated that Indonesia joined WAICO to help shape international principles and governance frameworks for AI development. He emphasized that the organization should encourage AI innovation that is inclusive, accountable, and capable of delivering shared benefits across nations.
Indonesia Secures a Strategic Role in Global AI Governance
Indonesia's decision to become a founding member was made under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, allowing the country to contribute from the outset to the development of a global AI governance framework that prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and responsible innovation.
As a founding member, Indonesia will also gain strategic advantages by participating in early discussions that shape international AI policies and cooperation. Airlangga noted that this position gives Indonesia early access to global dialogue on AI development and emerging technological trends.
AI Expected to Accelerate Indonesia’s Digital Economy
The minister highlighted AI as one of the key drivers of Indonesia's future digital economy. Indonesia's digital economy is projected to reach approximately US$130 billion in 2026, with further growth to US$366 billion by 2030. This outlook is expected to strengthen alongside deeper regional digital integration through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Across Southeast Asia, the ASEAN digital economy is projected to expand from US$1 trillion to US$2 trillion, while Indonesia's broader digital economy is expected to grow from approximately US$400 billion to US$600 billion over the coming years.
Airlangga described AI as a transformative technology that will reshape global economic development, emphasizing that no single country currently dominates the field. Instead, he stressed that international collaboration will be essential to unlocking AI's full potential and ensuring that its benefits are shared worldwide.
He also clarified that Indonesia's participation in WAICO does not reflect alignment with any particular geopolitical or technological bloc amid increasing global competition. WAICO is designed as an independent intergovernmental organization dedicated to advancing AI cooperation for civilian purposes through an inclusive, open, and non-discriminatory approach.
The agreement establishing WAICO was signed during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai, with 29 countries joining as founding signatories. Alongside Indonesia, founding members include Brazil, Russia, China, Pakistan, Serbia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, among others.
Conclusion
By becoming a founding member of WAICO, Indonesia has positioned itself to play an active role in shaping global AI governance while supporting responsible innovation and international cooperation. The move also reinforces the country's ambition to strengthen its digital economy and maximize AI's long-term economic and societal benefits.
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