Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian government is finalizing the establishment of an independent Personal Data Protection Authority as part of efforts to strengthen data protection and Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. The government is targeting the completion of the Presidential Regulation on Personal Data Protection within the next two months.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, stated that the upcoming authority will operate independently with its own organizational structure, while reporting directly to the President through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.
The Personal Data Protection Authority is expected to operate outside the structure of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. Its establishment has entered the final stage, with the government currently preparing the required Presidential Regulation.
AI Regulations Developed Alongside Data Protection Framework
Alongside the finalization of personal data protection regulations, the government is also completing the Presidential Regulation on the National AI Roadmap.
Both regulations are expected to become key foundations for AI governance in Indonesia. Nezar explained that AI governance will be built around two main pillars: AI ethics and personal data protection.
He emphasized that both regulations are being developed simultaneously to create a framework that encourages innovation while ensuring public protection.
The government stated that AI regulations will adopt a flexible and adaptive approach to keep pace with technological developments without limiting innovation.
Through the National AI Roadmap, Indonesia aims to provide clear direction for AI development while creating opportunities for businesses, researchers, and innovators to advance AI solutions.
“We welcome all AI initiatives and innovations developed in Indonesia. The National AI Roadmap is designed to support innovation, not restrict it,” Nezar said.
Risk-Based Approach and AI Ecosystem Development
Indonesia plans to implement a risk-based regulatory approach for AI governance. AI products will be classified according to their risk levels, including low, medium, and high-risk categories.
Nezar explained that high-risk AI applications will receive more comprehensive oversight compared to lower-risk technologies, focusing on risk mitigation while maintaining innovation growth.
This approach aims to ensure AI development continues while addressing key concerns related to security, ethics, and public protection.
Beyond regulatory preparation, the government is also strengthening Indonesia’s AI ecosystem through digital infrastructure development.
Key initiatives include expanding data center capacity, improving national computing capabilities, and developing a stronger digital talent workforce to support AI innovation.
Nezar highlighted that a combination of adaptive regulations, strong personal data protection, and support for innovation will become important foundations for accelerating Indonesia’s digital economy growth and enhancing global competitiveness.
Conclusion
Indonesia is strengthening its AI ecosystem by establishing a Personal Data Protection Authority and developing a National AI Roadmap. With a focus on ethical AI, data protection, and risk-based regulation, the government aims to create a trusted digital environment that supports innovation while ensuring public safety and competitiveness in the global digital economy.
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