Indonesia Eyes Bigger Role in Global AI Governance Through New WAICO Partnership

Indonesia Eyes Bigger Role in New Global AI Organization

Shanghai. Indonesia sought closer cooperation with China on artificial intelligence (AI), investment, and trade during talks between Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday, as both countries joined the launch of a new global AI organization.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), of which Indonesia is a founding member.

According to Airlangga’s office, Wang thanked Indonesia for joining the organization as one of its founding members.

Airlangga conveyed President Prabowo Subianto’s support for WAICO and praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s leadership in establishing the organization.

“Through WAICO, Indonesia expects global AI governance to promote equitable development, a human-centered approach, national sovereignty, inclusive multilateralism, and principles consistent with those of the United Nations,” Airlangga said in a statement.

He also proposed that Indonesia be considered for a senior position within WAICO’s secretariat.

On economic ties, Airlangga stressed the need to accelerate market access for Indonesian exports, noting that China remains Indonesia’s largest trading partner.

He also invited leading Chinese companies to expand investment in Indonesia, particularly in advanced manufacturing, digital economy projects, and industrial parks under the Two Countries, Twin Parks (TCTP) initiative.

Looking ahead, Airlangga reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for China’s chairmanship of APEC in 2026 and proposed organizing a bilateral business summit alongside a planned meeting between President Prabowo and President Xi on the sidelines of the forum in Shenzhen to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

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