Deputy minister urges on-target strategy to close AI development gap
In a statement issued here on Thursday, she said that AI mastery is currently still dominated by developed countries in terms of knowledge, investment, and infrastructure. Understanding the causes of this gap is considered crucial for catching up in AI technology development.
“We must look at reality based on data. Build the right and specialized capabilities, invest in areas that support Indonesia’s needs, and develop domestic infrastructure after securing the necessary resources,” she said.
The deputy minister explained that the first gap lies in knowledge, where patent production and scientific publications in AI are still dominated by advanced countries.
She emphasized that Indonesia needs to determine areas of specialization that can become national strengths, such as seaweed research, where the country is the world’s largest producer. Christie stressed that such specialization should be further developed.
On infrastructure, she highlighted the importance of independence in data management as one of Indonesia’s key assets. She noted that AI consists of data, algorithms, and processing power.
According to her, Indonesia has significant potential in data availability, which can serve as strategic capital for AI development if the public is aware of managing data properly and securely within the country.
She also underscored that infrastructure development, such as data centers, must consider stable, affordable, and sustainable energy readiness, without burdening public energy needs.
“AI must be used for development, not the other way around. With the right strategy in education, investment, and infrastructure, we can narrow the gap and enhance national competitiveness,” she said.
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Translator: Sean, Kenzu