Jakarta, INTI – Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, delivered a strong message at the international tech forum Machines Can See 2025 held in Dubai, UAE, on April 23. Speaking during a high-level panel titled “Wanted: AI to Retain and Attract Talents to the Country”, Meutya emphasized that the future of artificial intelligence (AI) must not be monopolized by a handful of nations but should serve as a shared legacy for humanity.
AI for All: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Future
“Technology must reflect the diversity of the world—not just the priorities of the privileged few,” said Meutya to a packed audience. Highlighting Indonesia’s position as a rising digital nation with over 212 million active internet users and the world’s fourth-largest population, she positioned the country as a key player in shaping a responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI ecosystem.
Meutya drew attention to Indonesia’s alignment with BRICS nations in promoting equitable AI development, focusing on digital access, the Global South’s voice, and real-world solutions—ranging from smart farming and disaster response to remote health diagnostics.
From Digital Gaps to Digital Hubs
One of the central themes of Meutya’s speech was infrastructure. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia faces unique challenges in digital connectivity. The government is rolling out initiatives to auction 2.6 and 3.5 GHz spectrum, expand submarine fiber optic networks, and develop low-latency national data centers to support AI applications.
At the same time, Indonesia is investing in AI Centers of Excellence across cities like Bandung, Surabaya, and Papua—underlining a commitment to decentralization and nationwide tech empowerment. “Our center in Papua proves our AI vision includes everyone,” she said.
Turning Brain Drain into Brain Link
Meutya also spotlighted Indonesia’s digital diaspora—over eight million Indonesians abroad, including 20,000 in Silicon Valley. “We don’t call it brain drain—we call it brain link,” she said, highlighting their strategic value in Indonesia’s AI ambition.
AI for People: Food Security, Health, and Education
The Indonesian government is applying AI to sectors directly tied to people’s daily lives. Programs are underway for AI-driven food security, public health services, and social protection systems, with a new nationwide rollout planned for August 2025. “Food security is a top priority under President Prabowo, especially in the current geopolitical climate,” Meutya noted, adding that education remains central to ensuring AI is governed by minds smarter than the machines themselves.
Conclusion: Indonesia’s Global Call for Shared AI Governance
Through her speech at Machines Can See 2025, Meutya Hafid made it clear that Indonesia envisions a future where AI is not a tool of domination but of collaboration—bridging nations, empowering citizens, and ensuring no one is left behind. With strategic infrastructure, ethical policies, and human-centered innovation, Indonesia is emerging as a force in the global AI conversation.
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