Indonesia is strengthening the infrastructure, skills base and regulatory frameworks needed to support the development of advanced artificial intelligence, according to Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria.
Speaking at a public discussion in Jakarta on 10 September 2026, the deputy minister said the country’s growing internet penetration, expanding connectivity and policy initiatives provide a strong foundation for AI adoption and innovation. He also outlined the government’s plans to improve 5G coverage and establish clearer governance frameworks for the technology sector.
Nezar said Indonesia’s internet penetration rate has reached 80.6 per cent, representing approximately 234 million people out of a population of 270 million. He added that 4G LTE coverage now extends to 97 per cent of the country’s territory, supporting broader access to digital services and AI-enabled technologies.
Digital infrastructure seen as a foundation for AI growth
The deputy minister said strong digital infrastructure is one of the main factors enabling Indonesia to participate more actively in the AI economy. However, he noted that more advanced infrastructure will be required to support applications that depend on rapid data processing and low-latency connectivity.
Indonesia’s current 5G coverage remains limited at around 10 per cent. The government is therefore seeking to expand national 5G coverage to 50 per cent over the next two to three years. The expansion is expected to improve access to higher-capacity digital networks needed for AI services and other data-intensive technologies.
The government has also been investing in broader digital infrastructure initiatives linked to public service delivery and economic inclusion. Recent efforts to improve connectivity and strengthen access to digital platforms have been highlighted in programmes aimed at expanding internet infrastructure for public services across the country.
Developing digital talent for the AI economy
Alongside infrastructure development, Nezar said the government is prioritising human capital development to ensure Indonesia can contribute to the global AI supply chain. He stressed the importance of preparing younger generations to become AI developers, innovators and technology specialists rather than solely users of digital tools.
“We need to educate our younger generation to become developers and innovators in the AI field and secure a place in the global supply chain of the international AI industry,” Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs
He added that Indonesia must understand AI systems more comprehensively, including how the wider ecosystem develops and operates. The emphasis on skills development aligns with wider national efforts to strengthen digital literacy and technology readiness, including initiatives connecting infrastructure development with education and learning access. The role of reliable connectivity in supporting these programmes has also been reflected in policies linking power infrastructure to digital learning expansion.
Government prepares AI governance framework
The Indonesian government is also preparing a broader regulatory framework intended to guide responsible AI adoption while supporting innovation. Existing regulations include the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, the Personal Data Protection Law and an official circular covering AI ethics.
Authorities are now developing a National AI Roadmap alongside more formal ethical guidance for AI technologies. According to Nezar, the intention is to provide safeguards without restricting technological progress or discouraging investment and innovation.
“Do not be afraid of the regulations being created. There is no intention to stifle development,” Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs
Indonesia has increasingly focused on balancing innovation with accountability in its approach to AI governance. Earlier policy discussions have placed human-centred principles at the core of AI development, reflecting concerns around privacy, ethics and equitable access to emerging technologies.
The government also sees AI as a potential driver of long-term economic growth. Estimates cited by the deputy minister suggest AI adoption could contribute US$366 billion to Indonesia’s gross domestic product by 2030. Officials believe that expanding digital infrastructure, improving workforce capabilities and introducing clearer governance standards will be central to achieving that objective.
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Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Open Gov Asia, 11.09.2026
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