Indonesia Eyes Global AI Infrastructure Investment

Indonesia is targeting expanded investment, technology transfer, and digital industry market access as it prepares to host technology stakeholders from 25 Asia-Oceania economies at the ASOCIO Digital & AI Summit 2026. The strategic meeting is scheduled to take place in Jakarta from 5 to 7 October 2026. Soegiharto Santoso, Chairman of the National Information and Communication Technology Entrepreneurs Association (APTIKNAS), stressed that the large domestic market must serve as strong leverage. Indonesia should not merely be a technology consumer, but must enter the global value chain, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) development. “Our large market should attract investment, technology transfer, and talent development. We must not just be a place where technology is consumed, while the added value and expertise develop in other countries,” Soegiharto said in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/8). The global AI race now encompasses sectors such as computing, semiconductors, data centres, and cyber security. For context, the Stanford AI Index 2026 recorded that private AI investment in the US reached US$285.9 billion in 2025. In the region, Southeast Asia also shows significant potential, with the digital economy predicted to be worth US$2 trillion by 2030 through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Indonesia’s position is considered increasingly strategic after it officially became one of the 29 founding countries of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in July 2026. This membership is expected to strengthen technology diplomacy and have a direct impact on national industrial productivity. Karim Taslim, Chair Committee of the ASOCIO Digital & AI Summit 2026, added that the forum will bring together investors, technology companies, and innovators. The main focus has shifted from mere technology trends to real-world implementation that improves efficiency and return on investment (ROI) for companies. “The opportunity as host must be converted into real transactions. We want Indonesian companies to gain partners, technology, and access to markets in other countries,” Karim said. He emphasised that the success of the event will be measured by concrete economic follow-ups, such as incoming investment and improved local workforce competency. The ASOCIO Digital & AI Summit 2026 will address various crucial issues, ranging from industrial AI and digital infrastructure to GovTech and FinTech. The forum is expected to be a catalyst for Indonesia to not just be a spectator, but a key player in the Asia-Oceania digital economy.