Jakarta, INTI - Universities have significant opportunities to contribute to the development of Indonesia’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. Their contributions can include strengthening digital talent, advancing research and innovation, and leveraging AI to address societal needs.
This message was delivered by Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria during his keynote address at an open seminar titled “Aceh on the National AI Map: Infrastructure, Talent, and Ecosystem.” The event was held at the Prof. Ali Hasymi Auditorium, UIN Ar-Raniry, in Banda Aceh, on Monday, November 2, 2026.
According to Nezar, Indonesia has the potential to compete in the global AI landscape. However, this does not necessarily mean competing to develop the world's largest or most advanced AI models. Instead, Indonesia can establish its position by adopting and utilizing AI to improve public services, drive economic growth, and address various societal challenges.
In this context, universities play a crucial role. Higher education institutions are expected not only to prepare graduates who can use technology but also to strengthen research capabilities, develop skilled talent, and generate innovations that respond to society's needs.
Nezar explained that the dynamics of global AI competition are beginning to shift. Previously, competition was largely dominated by major countries racing to develop cutting-edge AI models, commonly known as frontier AI. Today, however, opportunities are also emerging for countries that can rapidly and effectively adopt these technologies.
Developing advanced AI models requires substantial investment, large-scale access to graphics processing units (GPUs), and significant energy consumption. These requirements pose considerable challenges for developing countries seeking to participate directly in the race to build the most sophisticated AI models.
Nevertheless, Nezar emphasized that Indonesia does not have to follow the same path.
“In the race for adaptation, we are not starting from behind. Victory will be determined by who is most willing to use AI to deliver more human-centered public services and a more personalized economy,” Nezar said.
He outlined four key areas that Indonesia needs to consider when building its AI ecosystem: access to technology and digital sovereignty, the transformation of government governance, strengthening its position in industrial value chains, and preparing human resources for changes in the labor market driven by automation.
Universities therefore have considerable opportunities to help prepare the workforce for the future. Reskilling and upskilling initiatives are essential to ensure that younger generations can adapt to evolving labor market demands.
Nezar also stressed that these opportunities are not limited to students majoring in information technology or computer science. Students from various academic disciplines can contribute to AI development, provided they acquire relevant skills.
Promoting AI Development Based on Local Identity
Addressing the academic community at UIN Ar-Raniry, Nezar also encouraged the development of AI solutions rooted in local characteristics and needs. One opportunity he highlighted was the development of a large language model (LLM) based on the Acehnese language.
According to him, such an initiative could bring together different academic disciplines, including linguistics and computer science. This would allow universities to contribute to AI development through a broader range of expertise rather than relying solely on technology-related fields.
“I would love to see a large language model for the Acehnese language. Can we build one in Acehnese? This is important because we have our own unique identity,” he said.
Nezar noted that language is more than a means of communication; it also reflects patterns of thought and how communities understand the world. Therefore, developing AI models based on local languages could help create technologies that are more closely aligned with the characteristics and needs of local communities.
“Linguistics combined with computer science is what is now bringing artificial intelligence closer to the way humans think,” he added.
This opportunity also creates room for universities in Aceh to move beyond being technology users and become active contributors to research, innovation, and AI solutions addressing regional needs.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its national AI ecosystem require active participation from universities, particularly in developing digital talent, advancing research, and creating innovations that address real-world challenges. By combining technological expertise with local knowledge and cultural identity, higher education institutions can help Indonesia become not only an adopter of AI but also a contributor to meaningful and inclusive AI development.
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