Minister: Indonesia Must Set Its Own Pace for AI Development

Bali (ANTARA) – Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said Indonesia must set its own pace for developing artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the country’s capabilities.

“Indonesia must be confident that our pace should not be determined by other countries or technology companies. We should decide it ourselves, as a sovereign nation,” she said at Bali Tech Week (BTW) 2026 in Sanur, Bali, on Monday.

Meutya highlighted the global debate over the pace of AI development and its risks. She cited US President Donald Trump’s calls to accelerate AI innovation, while some technology companies have argued that development is already moving too quickly and should be slowed because of the risks it could create.

In these circumstances, she said, Indonesia needs to determine an appropriate pace so that the actions of the government, technology companies and other stakeholders are aligned.

Meutya said input from experts, industry players and other stakeholders would be needed to set a pace suited to the country’s human resource capacity and available resources.

“Innovation must grow, but fundamental human needs must also be protected,” she said.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is using Bali Tech Week 2026 to gather views from various parties on technology and AI development, she said.

Bali Tech Week 2026 is being held in Sanur, Bali, from 19 to 23 October, with more than 4,000 participants from 32 countries.

Meutya also said the government is preparing AI regulations and a development roadmap, as well as running digital talent development programmes to support the development and use of artificial intelligence.