AI Projected to Contribute USD 366 Billion to Indonesian Economy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to contribute USD 366 billion to the Indonesian economy by 2030. The government hopes to optimise this potential through Indonesia’s participation as a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia’s membership in WAICO is a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, aiming for the country to play a role in shaping global AI governance. As a founding country, Indonesia also gains early access to participate in discussions on AI developments at the international level. “By becoming a founder, we certainly have first access to all discussions regarding the development of AI itself,” Airlangga said during a virtual press conference from Shanghai, China, on Friday. Airlangga noted that founding member status gives Indonesia the opportunity to help formulate AI development that is inclusive, safe, trustworthy, ethical, and not monopolised by any particular country or power. WAICO itself was established within the framework of the United Nations to encourage international collaboration in human-centred AI governance. “AI is expected to be a bridge, not a digital divide, but a bridge for togetherness. Indonesia’s presence also demonstrates that AI management needs to be safer, more trustworthy, and ethical,” Airlangga said. Beyond contributing to the formulation of global AI governance, Indonesia’s membership in WAICO also opens opportunities to expand technology transfer, attract investment, build AI research centres, and strengthen national digital talent development. The government also wants to encourage AI utilisation by startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost productivity and competitiveness. “Indonesia is very concerned about AI development that is inclusive, safe, ethical, and not monopolised by any particular power,” Airlangga stated. According to Airlangga, several studies estimate that AI has the potential to contribute around USD 366 billion to the Indonesian economy by 2030. During the same period, the value of Indonesia’s digital economy is projected to reach between USD 210 billion and USD 360 billion. During his working visit to Shanghai, Airlangga also met with China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao to discuss strengthening industrial, trade, and digital economy cooperation. He also visited several technology companies, including ByteDance, Huawei, Deep Robotics, Unitree, and FiberHome.