Jakarta, INTI - The development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Southeast Asia requires strong support for research, computing infrastructure, and human resources. Alongside its opportunities, countries across the region also face security challenges such as deepfakes, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias, highlighting the need for coordinated regional efforts.
These opportunities and challenges were among the topics discussed at the 2026 China–ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable Meeting on Artificial Intelligence, held in Nanning, Guangxi, China, on September 17, 2026. Under the theme “Discussing AI Governance and Creating a Secure Future,” the meeting addressed AI developments as well as issues related to security, ethics, and governance.
Budi Prawara, Head of the Electronics and Informatics Research Organization (OREI) at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), represented the Head of BRIN at the meeting. He outlined Indonesia’s direction for AI development and proposed three pillars of regional cooperation to strengthen research capacity and technology adoption.
Budi explained that Indonesia has established a strategic vision for developing an ethical and responsible AI ecosystem. AI development is also being directed toward strengthening national competitiveness as part of Indonesia’s vision for Golden Indonesia 2045.
“Indonesia has three priority areas for AI development: industrial research and innovation, talent development, and data infrastructure. These three areas are being prepared to support economic growth and social progress,” he said.
In Indonesia’s national research agenda, AI is not viewed as a standalone technology but as a key enabling technology that can support various development priorities, including food security, healthcare, water resources, and disaster mitigation.
In line with this approach, Indonesia proposed three pillars of regional collaboration to strengthen AI development across the region.
The first pillar focuses on collaborative research and development through joint laboratories and shared funding mechanisms. The cooperation is intended to generate intellectual property that addresses both national and regional needs.
The second pillar involves the development of shared digital infrastructure, including access to green data centers and high-performance computing facilities. Such cooperation could help reduce disparities in computing capabilities among countries in the region.
The third pillar focuses on human resource development through exchange and joint training programs for young people and researchers.
Beyond these three pillars, Budi also emphasized the importance of strengthening foundational technologies, including semiconductors, satellites, and cybersecurity, through bilateral and regional cooperation.
Chen Gang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, also highlighted challenges related to AI security, ethics, algorithmic bias, and governance.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between advancing AI development and managing its associated risks. According to the Chinese side, potential AI risks should not become a reason to halt technological development. Instead, AI advancement and risk management should progress in parallel.
Five Points of Consensus
The exchange of views during the meeting resulted in five points of consensus. One emphasized the need for concrete measures and multi-stakeholder cooperation to address deepfakes, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias.
Participants also agreed on the importance of strengthening communication, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation in addressing AI security challenges. These efforts include the development of appropriate regulations and governance frameworks.
The meeting also encouraged stronger China–ASEAN cooperation in AI, including through the potential role of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization within the framework of the United Nations.
“For Indonesia, this forum provided an opportunity to present the country’s national AI development direction while proposing forms of cooperation that can strengthen research capacity, infrastructure, and human resources across the region,” Budi concluded.
Conclusion
Indonesia is encouraging stronger China–ASEAN cooperation in AI through joint research, shared digital infrastructure, and talent development, while emphasizing responsible governance, security, and ethical AI practices. The initiative highlights the importance of regional collaboration in building a trusted and sustainable AI ecosystem.
Read more: Trust Emerges as a Foundation for AI Development in Indonesia