OJK: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Investment Balances Global Economic Prospects

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) investment has become one of the positive factors that could potentially balance global economic growth prospects amid increasing pressure from geopolitical tensions. Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Friderica Widyasari Dewi stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised downwards its 2026 global economic growth outlook to 3% as a result of prolonged warfare. “The development of AI investment is an upside risk that balances global economic growth prospects,” Friderica said during the OJK Board of Commissioners Meeting Press Conference on Tuesday (4/8/2026). On the other hand, Friderica conveyed that pressure on the global economy still stems from rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region. The escalation of conflict recurred following the failure of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran in early July 2026, which subsequently drove up oil prices. In addition, the new United States tariff policy against 60 trading partner countries also contributed to increasing global pressure. This policy replaced the temporary tariffs that expired on 24 July 2026. According to Friderica, the increasing pressure in the global energy market and the implementation of new tariffs have kept global risk premiums high. Meanwhile, commodity price volatility still has the potential to continue. Global economic indicators are showing mixed developments. Manufacturing activity in developed countries is showing stronger improvement, while manufacturing growth in developing countries remains relatively limited. In the United States, inflation is beginning to moderate with relatively stable economic activity. Meanwhile in China, economic growth in the second quarter of 2026 was the lowest since the end of 2022, with consumption and private investment still weak, although exports remain the main support. In Europe and the UK, inflation is also showing a downward trend. However, global financial markets are still moving erratically amid the renewed increase in conflict in the Middle East.