AI Ready ASEAN Programme Comes to Central Java as Vice President Welcomes Cross-Sector Synergy
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has thrown his support behind the AI Ready ASEAN programme, strengthened through collaboration between the ASEAN Foundation and the Central Java Regional Police (Polda Jateng). Gibran stated that the training reflects cross-sector synergy in jointly promoting the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
“The government welcomes various initiatives and cross-sector cooperation, such as that undertaken by the ASEAN Foundation together with the Central Java Regional Police in providing technical artificial intelligence training for students as well as AI training for trainers. This collaboration reflects synergy in promoting the use of technology, including AI, in a safe, adaptive, and ethical manner,” Gibran said in a statement on Monday (23/2/2026).
The partnership will deliver a series of In-depth AI Training sessions, Raising Awareness of AI campaigns, and Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes from February to April 2026 across several areas of Central Java.
Support for the programme was also demonstrated through the facilitation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between the ASEAN Foundation and Polda Jateng, held at the Vice Presidential Secretariat Office in Central Jakarta on Friday (13/02). The signing was facilitated by Vice Presidential Special Staff Achmad Aditya.
In his remarks, Vice Presidential Special Staff Achmad Aditya described the collaboration as a breakthrough worthy of appreciation. He noted that the involvement of law enforcement in AI literacy programmes demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing the rapid pace of technological development.
“What has been done here is truly extraordinary. People might not have imagined cooperation with the police being possible. Yet this is precisely an important step — it addresses not only the substance of AI but also its ethics. AI usage can develop very rapidly, making proper understanding the key,” he said.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Piti Srisangnam emphasised that Indonesia possesses significant potential in digital economic development within the region. However, he cautioned that the acceleration of technology adoption must be accompanied by improved literacy and ethical understanding among the public.
“Indonesia is one of the ASEAN countries with enormous digital potential. AI utilisation can drive productivity, competitiveness, and development. However, these benefits can only be optimised if accompanied by adequate literacy and understanding. Through the AI Ready ASEAN Programme, we are striving to equip communities with the skills and ethical understanding necessary for AI to be used responsibly in promoting inclusive development,” he explained.
From the Central Java Regional Police, Chief of Police Ribut Hari Wibowo, represented by Head of Operations Bureau Basya Radyananda, affirmed that the MoU signing was not merely an administrative formality. He described the cooperation as a manifestation of moral and institutional commitment to providing the best service to the public in the digital era.
“We believe that good intentions guided by sound governance, strong coordination, and honest evaluation will produce a significant impact. Let us make this cooperation an example that security, education, and technology can work hand in hand to build a Central Java society that is increasingly intelligent, resilient, and civilised in the digital space,” he said.
The programme’s implementation includes In-depth AI Training targeting approximately 8,000 participants, comprising young people and parents across six residencies in Central Java: Semarang, Pati, Pekalongan, Banyumas, Kedu, and Surakarta.
To extend the reach of education efforts, the programme also features a Raising Awareness of AI campaign targeting more than 140,000 beneficiaries, including school students, university students, communities, and the general public.
Also present at the event were Head of Legal Affairs at Polda Jateng Jansen Sitohang, Head of Communications of the ASEAN Foundation Anthoni Octaviano, and Presidium Chair of MAFINDO (Indonesian Anti-Hoax Society) Septiaji Eko Nugroho.