China Follows Indonesia's Lead as Many Reject Total Replacement by AI
China is beginning to take firm steps in regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), following rising global concerns about the technology’s impact on humanity. This move by the Middle Kingdom aligns with Indonesia, which is also preparing major rules on AI to ensure the technology does not develop uncontrollably.
The Chinese government is known to be drafting new regulations to strengthen safety and ethical aspects in the launch of AI technology, particularly services oriented towards consumers and involving emotional interactions with users.
Citing Reuters at the end of 2025, the regulations target AI products and services with human-like characters, from communication patterns and emotional interactions to the use of text, images, audio, and video.
Under these rules, AI companies are required to provide user protection systems, including warnings against excessive use. Service providers must also have mechanisms for algorithm reviews, data security, and personal information protection.
China is also giving serious attention to the potential for AI addiction. Companies are asked to identify users’ emotional states and levels of dependence on AI services.
Not only that, companies must provide intervention steps when users show signs of addiction to the technology.
The regulations also limit AI from generating content deemed to endanger national security, spread rumours, promote violence, or pornography.
China’s steps demonstrate that concerns over AI are no longer just about technological competition, but also about preserving human roles to avoid complete replacement by machines.
Prabowo to Soon Sign AI Regulations
Indonesia itself is moving in a similar direction. The government is preparing a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) on the national AI roadmap, which is said to be signed soon by President Prabowo Subianto.
In 2025, Minister of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) Meutya Hafid stated that the government had nearly completed the National AI Roadmap and AI ethics.
Recently, the government confirmed that the signing process is getting closer. Director General of Digital Ecosystem Edwin Hidayat Abdullah said the draft Perpres on the AI roadmap is currently being discussed at the State Secretariat Ministry.
“That’s why we are creating the first regulation on the AI Roadmap. Insya Allah, it will be signed by the President this month. It is currently in the discussion process at the State Secretariat,” said Edwin at the Tech & Telco Forum 2026 on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
Edwin emphasised that the regulation is not intended to restrict AI development, but to serve as a guide so that the technology develops healthily and does not stray from ethical boundaries.
“If no catalyst is created, AI will play on the fringes. That could potentially breach ethics and seek loopholes,” he said.
The Indonesian government is also preparing infrastructure support to accelerate AI adoption, including the development of 5G networks. Currently, AI adoption in Indonesia is said to be below 10%.