Jakarta, INTI - The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indonesia does not automatically translate into the country having the capacity to become a major global technology player. The government believes that strengthening talent, research, infrastructure, and policy will be critical to ensuring Indonesia does not remain merely a market for AI technologies developed overseas.
Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Indonesia needs to build stronger national capabilities to become a technology creator rather than simply a technology user.
He emphasized that AI development should progress alongside clean energy and STEM education.
“By combining AI powered by clean energy with STEM education, we can build national capabilities that enable Indonesia to stand as a global creator rather than merely a consumer,” Luhut said at the World Encounter Summit 2026, part of the Bali Harmony Encounter Week 2026, held at the United in Diversity (UID) Bali Campus and the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on September 4.
Building National AI Capacity
Echoing the same concern, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid stressed that high levels of AI adoption, particularly among younger generations, are not enough to establish national AI capabilities.
“Indonesia is not starting from zero, given the rapid adoption of AI among young people. However, usage alone does not automatically translate into national capacity. Without strategic alignment across policy, research, talent, and infrastructure, we risk becoming merely a consumer market for foreign technology,” she said.
Meutya highlighted the establishment of the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub at the UID Bali Campus as a Regional Hub and Global Gateway for Indonesia. The initiative is expected to help connect industries, investors, and global innovators while strengthening collaboration within the country’s emerging AI ecosystem.
Beyond Technology
The forum also emphasized that the future of AI cannot be viewed solely through the lens of technological capacity. Human values and spirituality were also highlighted as important dimensions in shaping how AI should develop and contribute to society.
The discussion reflects a broader perspective that Indonesia’s ambition to become a global AI innovator will require more than widespread adoption. It will depend on developing homegrown talent, research capabilities, infrastructure, clean energy, and responsible policies to build a sustainable and competitive national AI ecosystem.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s ambition to become a global AI innovator will depend on more than rapid adoption. Strengthening homegrown talent, research, infrastructure, clean energy, and strategic policies will be essential to building a competitive AI ecosystem and ensuring Indonesia becomes a creator of technology rather than simply a consumer.
Read more: Indonesia Must Build Stronger Technology Capacity as AI Advances Rapidly