Indonesia Ready to Support Open, Beneficial AI Ecosystem

Indonesia Steps Forward to Champion Open Artificial Intelligence Collaboration

Tempatdonasi.com – At the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in Shanghai on Friday, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto delivered a clear message regarding his nation’s commitment to global AI development. Speaking alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, Airlangga emphasized that Indonesia stands prepared to actively participate in creating an artificial intelligence framework that remains open, inclusive, and serves the welfare of populations worldwide.

Joining the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization

Airlangga expressed Indonesia’s appreciation for China’s leadership in establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, commonly known as WAICO. The Indonesian government welcomed the opportunity to become one of the founding member states of this new international body. This strategic decision aligns with directives issued by President Prabowo Subianto, who has encouraged the broader development and practical utilization of artificial intelligence technologies within Indonesia.

“We convey greetings from the President of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, and our gratitude to the Chinese government for initiating the establishment of WAICO and inviting Indonesia as a founding member state. Indonesia is ready to collaborate with WAICO to develop the global AI ecosystem,” Airlangga stated.

The significance of this membership extends beyond symbolic participation. As a founding member since its inception, Indonesia positions itself to influence WAICO’s policy directions and institutional architecture, according to Airlangga’s remarks on Thursday, July 16.

A Vision for International AI Cooperation

During the WAIC 2026 opening ceremony, President Xi Jinping articulated a comprehensive vision for artificial intelligence development that transcends national boundaries. He characterized AI advancement not as a solitary endeavor undertaken by individual nations, but rather as a harmonious symphony of international collaboration.

To actualize this vision, China announced plans to create an open-source AI platform accessible for collaborative use and development by multiple countries. Additionally, over the forthcoming five-year period, China intends to implement capacity-building initiatives designed to broaden technological access and reduce disparities in digital capabilities among participating nations.

“AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” President Xi remarked during his address.

Global Recognition and Sustainable Development Goals

The establishment of WAICO received endorsement from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed his appreciation for the initiative. Guterres voiced his expectation that WAICO would evolve into a vital platform fostering international cooperation, ultimately supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through responsible, inclusive AI applications that benefit all global communities.

This international commitment resonates with President Prabowo’s domestic priorities, which emphasize digital transformation and technological mastery as pathways to enhancing public welfare, strengthening national competitiveness, and accelerating Indonesia’s overall progress.

Indonesia’s Digital Economy and AI Potential

Airlangga highlighted several sectors where artificial intelligence technology can be optimized within Indonesia, including modern agriculture, renewable energy management, and digital healthcare innovation. He noted that the successful development and adoption of AI technologies depend heavily on robust digital infrastructure, particularly the expansion of data centers across the archipelago.

Currently, Indonesia’s digital economy carries an estimated valuation of approximately $130 billion. Projections indicate this figure could reach $300 billion in the near future, with artificial intelligence expected to serve as a significant catalyst for this anticipated growth trajectory.

The WAICO Founding Members

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, a total of 29 nations formally signed a declaration establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. The founding members include China, Algeria, Belarus, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo, Cuba, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Zambia.

Coordinating Minister Airlangga was accompanied by a delegation of senior officials during the WAIC activities. The group included Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Angga Raka Prabowo, Secretary to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy Susiwijono Moegiarso, Deputy for Commerce and Digital Economy of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy Ali Murtopo, Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia Djauhari Oratmangun, and Indonesian Consul General in Shanghai Berlianto Situngkir.