Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is oriented toward public interest and social development at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, February 19, 2026
At the high-level forum, Indonesia appeared alongside several Global South countries, including Togo and Egypt, in a panel discussion exploring how developing nations can steer AI adoption to generate tangible societal impact.
Indonesia’s participation in the panel reflects an important shift in global technology governance, where Global South countries are no longer merely technology consumers but are increasingly taking part in shaping the direction of global AI development.
From Infrastructure to Meaningful Access
Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Nezar Patria, stated that the current global impact of AI stands at only “six out of ten.” He emphasized that technological progress must be accompanied by efforts to ensure its benefits are distributed equitably, particularly across developing nations.
Indonesia stressed that the key challenge ahead lies not only in building more advanced AI systems, but in ensuring that these technologies address real societal needs, ranging from healthcare and education to local economic empowerment.
“Digital transformation must go beyond infrastructure deployment. What is needed is meaningful access, so that technology truly becomes a solution for people’s lives,” was the central message delivered by the Indonesian delegation during the panel.
In discussions with fellow Global South leaders, the delegate from Togo highlighted the importance of strengthening digital talent capacity and institutional readiness to adopt AI responsibly. Meanwhile, Egypt’s representative underscored the need for an AI governance framework that balances technological innovation with public protection and national data sovereignty.
Indonesia also shared its experience as an archipelagic nation with high geographic diversity, where digital connectivity and technology serve as critical instruments for equalizing public services. With more than 80 percent of its population already connected to the internet, Indonesia’s digital development focus is now shifting from expanding access to enhancing the quality of technology utilization, including leveraging AI for public services and social development.
AI as a Public Good and Indonesia’s Strategic Role
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 served as an important platform for developing countries to strengthen global collaboration in building inclusive, trustworthy, and public-oriented AI. Through this forum, Global South nations advocated for AI as a public good, technology that not only drives economic growth but also strengthens social welfare and digital equity.
For Indonesia, engagement in the forum further reinforces its strategic role as a bridge country, connecting diverse global interests in shaping the governance of future technologies.
The joint participation of Indonesia, Togo, and Egypt signals that the future of AI is no longer determined solely by advanced economies or major technology corporations. Developing countries are increasingly active in defining the principles and direction of technology utilization to ensure meaningful societal impact.
Amid rapid global technological advancement, Indonesia emphasized that the ultimate success of AI should not be measured solely by its sophistication, but by its ability to improve quality of life and deliver real benefits to all segments of society.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s presence at the AI Impact Summit 2026 highlights a growing leadership role among Global South nations in shaping AI governance. By advocating AI as a public good and emphasizing meaningful access over mere infrastructure expansion, Indonesia positions itself as a strategic bridge in global digital transformation. The country’s approach underscores that the ultimate measure of AI’s success lies not in its complexity, but in its real contribution to human welfare and inclusive development.
Read more: Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Encourages Critical Mineral Downstreaming and Strengthening of the Global AI Ecosystem