Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has called on U.S. technology companies to strengthen their digital investments in Indonesia, emphasizing that such investments should go beyond infrastructure development to deliver tangible benefits for communities, including economic opportunities and improved human resource quality.
Meutya made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) at the headquarters of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
She emphasized that digital investment should be accompanied by knowledge transfer, digital talent development, workforce skills enhancement, and the use of technology to improve public services.
“Digital development is not simply about connecting people to the internet. Connectivity must create opportunities for economic growth, improve human resource quality, and enhance public services,” Meutya said in a statement on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
According to Meutya, the government aims to ensure that investments from global technology companies also strengthen Indonesia’s capacity to develop and utilize technology sustainably, while expanding access to innovation for communities in rural areas.
She explained that Indonesia’s digital transformation is built on three core principles: Connected, Growing, and Protected. These principles serve as a foundation for ensuring that expanded connectivity goes hand in hand with increased productivity and the protection of people in the digital space.
“Our relationship will continue to improve if we maintain a strong focus on knowledge transfer and skills development across the various digital initiatives being implemented in Indonesia,” she said.
Indonesia Emphasizes Responsible AI Development and Regulation
In addition to infrastructure investment and talent development, the meeting also addressed advances in artificial intelligence (AI).
Meutya stated that Indonesia remains open to AI innovation and investment. However, technological development must be balanced with regulatory certainty, personal data protection, and public safety, particularly for children.
“Indonesia needs to continue developing AI and harnessing the opportunities it offers. However, with a population of approximately 280 million, we must also ensure that adequate regulations and safeguards are in place so that this technology can be used safely and responsibly,” Meutya emphasized.
She added that digital policymaking, including the development of a national AI roadmap, should involve industry players and a broad range of stakeholders. This approach is intended to ensure that regulations support innovation while safeguarding the public interest.
“We want to ensure that the regulations being developed are clear and predictable for stakeholders, rather than coming as a surprise to the industry. That is why the policymaking process must remain open to different perspectives, allowing innovation to flourish while maintaining public protection,” she said.
USABC Highlights the Importance of Public-Private Partnerships
Meanwhile, US-ASEAN Business Council CEO Brian McFeeters said partnerships between the government and private sector are becoming increasingly important in addressing developments in digital technology, particularly the rapid advancement of AI.
“Compared with other areas of concern, digital issues are among those that most urgently require government and private-sector partnerships. This cooperation is especially important because AI is advancing from week to week,” Brian said.
He also highlighted the contributions of U.S. companies in Indonesia through investments, knowledge transfer, education, skills development, and various corporate social responsibility programs.
According to Brian, USABC has prepared a report documenting these companies’ contributions as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties and digital cooperation between Indonesia and the United States.
Indonesia Seeks Long-Term Benefits from Digital Investment
Komdigi views its partnership with USABC as an opportunity to expand investment collaboration that delivers long-term benefits for Indonesia.
Through stronger investment, human resource capacity building, knowledge transfer, and responsible technology governance, the government aims to foster a productive, inclusive, secure, and trusted national digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
Indonesia is encouraging U.S. technology companies to pursue digital investments that deliver broader economic and social benefits through knowledge transfer, digital talent development, and improved public services. The government also emphasizes responsible AI development, clear regulations, and public protection to support sustainable digital transformation.
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