Nusantara Planned as AI-Powered Public Service Laboratory, Says Deputy Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Wamenkomdigi) Nezar Patria stated that Nusantara Capital City (IKN) is designed to become a pilot zone for advanced digital governance in Indonesia, including serving as a laboratory for artificial intelligence (AI)-based public services. With international funding support for smart city planning reaching 2.49 million US dollars (approximately Rp44 billion) in early 2026, IKN is being prepared to become a ‘living laboratory’ for future technology development. ‘Nusantara Capital City is designed to be a living laboratory for future technology, from autonomous vehicles and smart energy systems to inclusive AI-based public services,’ Nezar said, opening an online digital talent training event for the Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) programme on Tuesday. He noted that the smart city development is crucial because, based on data from the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025, Indonesia still faces challenges in technological readiness and knowledge that must be accelerated immediately. Beyond the smart city development, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is also accelerating knowledge among leaders, both central and regional government officials, through the Digital Leadership Academy. In more detail, the DLA programme features a comprehensive curriculum covering 10 core competencies aligned with the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI), ensuring graduates can be certified as excellent digital leaders. With structured standards, the hope is that these digital leaders will not only understand emerging technology but also be capable of making efficient policies supported by such technology. Deputy Minister Nezar encouraged the 2026 DLA participants to use the opportunity to broaden their horizons, build collaborative networks, and transform their mindsets to become more progressive and transformative. He added that mindset is the primary factor needing change because digitalisation is not just about creating applications to assist administratively. ‘Our mindset is the first thing that must be changed because digitalisation does not only mean creating applications to help us administratively, but also how we think in terms of problem solving, finding solutions, and providing the best service to the community,’ Nezar concluded.