Ministry of Communication and Digital prepares AI for social aid digitalisation

Jakarta - The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) is preparing to utilise new technology in the form of artificial intelligence (AI) to digitalise the distribution of social assistance (bansos).

Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid, during the launch of DEAL 2026 in South Jakarta on Tuesday, explained that the government is currently testing the use of AI in social aid distribution in Banyuwangi, East Java. “We are conducting a test case in Banyuwangi to carry out digital interventions, including AI in our social assistance programme,” Meutya said. “This is one example that, if successfully adopted later, will be among the first in the world,” she added.

The government is currently accelerating the application of new technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital platforms in productive sectors including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, and fish farming.

At a separate event in Jakarta on Wednesday, Meutya explained that the use of AI in social aid digitalisation helps manage and analyse recipient data more accurately, making verification, data updating, and decision-making faster, more targeted, and efficient.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital initiated the Digital Ecosystem Alignment (DEAL) 2026, a solidarity movement among stakeholders to strengthen and accelerate Indonesia’s digital transformation. DEAL 2026 serves as a collaborative platform for government, industry, academia, investors, startups, MSMEs, communities, and local governments, directed towards concrete implementation that addresses real needs.

Through DEAL 2026, Kemkomdigi and various stakeholders declared eight collaboration packages. These include connectivity and added value for the telecommunications industry, digital consumer protection, digital innovation and technopreneurship, a healthy and secure digital ecosystem, strengthening the national startup ecosystem, national AI ecosystem collaboration, digital inclusivity and new technology adoption, and improving logistics cost efficiency.