Jakarta, INTI - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, stated that expanding the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute up to 3.67% to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), driven by the growing demand for efficiency and productivity across multiple sectors.
She delivered this statement during The Power of AI forum held in Bali on Saturday, April 18, 2026, amid a global push to leverage AI as a key engine of economic growth.
“Competitiveness today is no longer defined by resources, but by the ability to adapt to technology, especially AI,” Meutya remarked.
According to her, Indonesia is in a strategic position to capitalize on this opportunity. A robust digital ecosystem and the rapid expansion of the digital economy provide a strong foundation for accelerating AI adoption nationwide.
“Value is no longer about resources alone, but about how effectively we transform data into solutions,” she explained.
Data from the World Bank shows that Indonesia ranks 41st out of 198 countries and falls into Category A for strong public digital transformation, reinforcing its position on the global stage.
“Indonesia continues to strengthen its role as a leading digital economic force in Southeast Asia,” she added.
Accelerating AI Adoption and Strengthening Governance
However, Meutya emphasized the urgency of accelerating AI implementation in key strategic sectors. While finance and retail have shown more progress, other sectors still lag behind.
“Healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing must be accelerated, as these are the sectors where the greatest impact can be achieved,” she stressed.
Given the rapid evolution of AI, she also highlighted the importance of strong and adaptive governance.
“AI regulation is no longer optional, it is an urgent and unavoidable necessity,” she stated.
The government has finalized a presidential regulation outlining the national AI roadmap and ethical framework, which is currently awaiting formal approval as a policy foundation.
“This roadmap provides clear direction while ensuring public protection from potential AI-related risks,” Meutya concluded.
Looking ahead, the government aims to ensure that AI adoption is inclusive, reaching various sectors and economic actors, including MSMEs, so that the benefits of digital transformation can be felt evenly across Indonesia.
Conclusion
Indonesia is entering a critical phase where artificial intelligence is no longer just an emerging technology, but a key pillar for sustainable economic growth. With strong digital foundations and clear policy direction, the country has the opportunity to accelerate its global competitiveness. Ensuring inclusive adoption, supported by adaptive governance and cross-sector collaboration, will be essential to maximize AI’s impact and deliver broad-based benefits across the nation.
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