Komdigi Sets More Detailed AI Regulations in Indonesia, Not Just Circular Letters

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:27 | Artificial Intelligence | Editorial INTI

Jakarta, INTI - Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) shows serious attention to the regulation and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in Indonesia. Recognizing the importance of AI in various sectors of life, Komdigi opens a space for collaboration with various stakeholders to formulate more comprehensive and detailed regulations.

As a first step, Komdigi has issued Circular Letter of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Number 9 of 2023 concerning Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. This circular is the initial basis in regulating the ethical and responsible use of AI. However, the government realizes that the rapid development of AI technology requires more detailed and structured regulations.

As reported on detiknet.com on January 07, 2025, Deputy Minister of Komdigi, Nezar Patria, emphasized that the public response to the circular was quite positive. However, the government needs to draft more detailed regulations to accommodate the dynamics and complexity of AI use in Indonesia.

“The public response to the Ministerial Circular is quite positive. However, the government needs to enact more detailed regulations in line with the development of its use in Indonesia,” said Nezar Patria.

Efforts to Develop More Detailed Regulations

Nezar Patria explained that the government is currently reviewing the right form and policy basis to regulate AI technology in more depth. One option being considered is to integrate AI-related rules into a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) or Ministerial Regulation (Permen).

“There is Engine Technologies in the PDP (Personal Data Protection) Law. Maybe later we can pull it down in the form of a Perpres or Permen, for more detailed management,” he said.

To accelerate this process, Komdigi invited the President's Special Staff for Creative Economy, Yovie Widiyanto, as well as various other stakeholders to join in the planning and discussion of AI regulations.

Nezar Patria stated that the discussion will be carried out in stages until an agreement is reached on the most appropriate form of regulation.

“In early January we will try to run this discussion, with the hope that we can compile a draft. We don't know yet whether it will be Permen or something higher than that,” he explained.

Horizontal Approach and Inter-Agency Collaboration

Secretary General of the Ministry of Komdigi, Mira Tayyiba, explained that the Ministry of Komdigi usually applies a horizontal approach in regulating the use of technology, as stated in Law No. 11 on Electronic Information and Transactions and Law No. 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection. This approach is chosen because the issues regulated are inherent in people's daily lives.

However, for technical issues, such as the use of AI in health and education, the Ministry of Komdigi will use a more specific use case-based approach.

“But for technical issues, we will use technical use cases. Like AI technology for health and education,” said Mira.

Mira also emphasized the importance of synergy and collaboration between institutions and ministries in drafting AI regulations. According to her, the challenges faced in regulating AI are very complex and require support from various parties.

“We don't think it can be just one ministry, because what we are facing is rather gigantic. So along with the Copyright Law that is about to be revised, our efforts through parliament can also be utilized,” she concluded.

Future Challenges and Expectations

Comprehensive and structured regulations are expected to be the foundation for the development and responsible utilization of AI technology in Indonesia. By involving various stakeholders, the government hopes to create an AI ecosystem that is not only innovative but also safe and ethical.

Collaboration between the government, industry, and academia will be key in facing the challenges arising from the development of AI technology. In addition, clear regulations are also expected to encourage the growth of the digital economy and increase Indonesia's competitiveness in the global arena.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) continues to work on more detailed and comprehensive regulations to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in Indonesia.

Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the government is committed to creating a regulatory framework that is able to accommodate the development of AI technology while protecting the interests of society.With an inclusive and real needs-based approach, AI regulations are expected to be the foundation for the responsible and sustainable use of this technology in the future.