Jakarta, INTI - Chairman of Indonesia’s National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has called on China’s Tsinghua University to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) research at the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ), beginning in 2026.
Luhut made the call during the China Southeast Asia Forum on Higher Education and Industry Cooperation 2026 at the Kura Kura Bali SEZ in Denpasar on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
“I would like to see Tsinghua University join AI research on this island in the near future, or even as soon as possible. If possible, I would like this to happen this year,” Luhut said.
According to Luhut, Indonesia already has an AI research center at Kura Kura Bali, which could be further strengthened through the research expertise and technological capabilities of Tsinghua University.
AI Research to Support GovTech Development
Luhut said the collaboration is particularly relevant as the Indonesian government works to develop government technology (GovTech) to improve efficiency and transparency while reducing the potential for corruption in public services.
He noted that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the government to ensure the effective development and implementation of GovTech.
Research and technological support from China, particularly from Tsinghua University, is expected to contribute to these efforts and strengthen Indonesia’s GovTech capabilities.
Luhut emphasized that Indonesia-China cooperation should enter a new phase that goes beyond industrial investment and technology transfer to focus on joint innovation.
“We are not only looking for equipment. We want scientists, knowledge, and an innovation ecosystem,” he said.
Bali Positioned as a Hub for Talent and Technology
Luhut also invited Tsinghua University to establish joint laboratories, research programs, research funding initiatives, and academic publication projects with Indonesian universities and researchers.
He said Kura Kura Bali has a strategic position as a platform connecting education, research, and industry collaboration between Indonesia, China, and other Southeast Asian countries.
The collaboration is expected to generate tangible benefits for technology development and human capital improvement in Indonesia rather than serving solely as an exchange of ideas.
Luhut also highlighted the potential to connect universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, industries, and younger generations from Indonesia and China to develop innovations that address real-world needs.
Through these initiatives, Luhut hopes Bali can develop into a regional hub for talent, technology, and research, bringing academia and industry closer together while strengthening Indonesia’s role in advancing innovation across Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The proposed collaboration between Indonesia and Tsinghua University reflects a broader effort to strengthen AI research, GovTech, and innovation ecosystems in Indonesia. By combining academic expertise, research capabilities, and industry collaboration, Bali is envisioned as a hub for technology and digital talent while supporting Indonesia-China cooperation in advancing AI innovation.
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