Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia has officially joined 29 founding countries of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), an international cooperation body focused on artificial intelligence (AI) development established under the framework of the United Nations (UN).
The move is expected to strengthen Indonesia's national AI governance while creating new opportunities for investment and collaboration in the digital economy sector.
The establishment of WAICO was officially signed in Shanghai, China, on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) Angga Raka Prabowo attended the ceremony alongside Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who led Indonesia's delegation.
The Indonesian government views its participation in WAICO as a strategic step to accelerate the development of the country's digital economy. Membership in the organization is expected to provide greater access to international collaboration, investment opportunities, and the development of high-value AI technologies.
"The establishment of WAICO is projected to provide significant momentum for the government's efforts to make the digital economy a key driver of Indonesia's future economic growth," Komdigi stated.
The government also sees WAICO as an opportunity to accelerate economic transformation toward technology-driven sectors with higher added value.
Following the signing ceremony, activities continued with the Informal Preparatory Session on the Establishment of WAICO on July 17, 2026. During the session, Angga Raka Prabowo led Indonesia's delegation and participated in bilateral discussions with Aju Widya Sari, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Ecosystem at Komdigi, along with representatives from the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing.
Angga said Indonesia's role as a WAICO founding member represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen national AI governance while aligning it with international best practices. He added that Indonesia's membership would create opportunities for cross-border collaboration in developing an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible, and capable of supporting future digital economic growth.
Global AI Cooperation Through WAICO
A total of 29 countries became founding members of WAICO, including Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, and China. The signing ceremony was also witnessed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, reflecting international support for the establishment of the organization.
WAICO is an independent, non-profit intergovernmental organization established to promote AI innovation while ensuring that AI development benefits all countries under the principle of "AI for Good and for All."
The organization will focus on several strategic areas, including strengthening international cooperation in AI capacity building, expanding access to AI technologies and services, and encouraging the development of AI systems that are open, inclusive, and equitable.
WAICO will also serve as a platform for coordinating AI development strategies, promoting ethical AI implementation, and supporting global AI governance within the UN framework.
Conclusion
Indonesia's participation as a founding member of WAICO marks a significant step in strengthening its position in the global AI ecosystem. Through international collaboration, responsible AI governance, and technology development, Indonesia aims to accelerate digital transformation while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and investment in the digital economy.
Read more: The Government’s Roadmap for Indonesia to Become an AI Ecosystem Hub