ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is positioning itself to become a regional hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development in Southeast Asia by strengthening a High Performance Computing (HPC)–based AI ecosystem.
Through the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the country is promoting an integrated, ethical, and inclusive AI framework to enhance regional competitiveness and support sustainable development across ASEAN.
The commitment was reaffirmed at the ASEAN Workshop on Advancing AI through HPC 2025, held at the B.J. Habibie Building in Jakarta on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The forum brought together delegates from ASEAN member states, the Republic of Korea, academics, industry players, AI communities, and policymakers.
AI Requires Massive Computing Power
BRIN’s Deputy for Research and Innovation Policy, Boediastoeti Ontowirjo, emphasized that AI and HPC are two transformative forces driving the global digital economy.
While AI holds immense potential to accelerate innovation, boost economic competitiveness, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), large-scale implementation depends heavily on advanced computing capacity.
“The journey from theoretical AI models to real-world, large-scale applications is highly complex and critically dependent on sophisticated computing capabilities. This is where HPC becomes indispensable,” Boediastoeti said.
She explained that HPC provides the speed and capacity required for complex modeling, massive data processing, and the development of machine learning and deep learning. As a result, leveraging AI for ASEAN’s shared prosperity must be supported by a robust regional ecosystem.
According to Boediastoeti, this ecosystem must integrate strong governance and ethical frameworks, secure data-sharing mechanisms, and optimized use of HPC to ensure AI development across the region is responsible, transparent, and inclusive.
ASEAN–Korea Collaboration Accelerates Digital Transformation
Strategic cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea has emerged as a key pillar in strengthening the regional AI ecosystem.
Hahm Jeong-Han, Charge d’Affaires of the Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, noted that ASEAN stands at the forefront of global digital transformation.
ASEAN’s digital economy, currently valued at around US$300 billion, is projected to grow to US$1 trillion by 2030, with the potential to reach US$2 trillion under the right policy and institutional frameworks.
“AI lies at the core of this transformation,” Hahm said.
Through the Korea–ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship (KADIF) initiative, Korea and ASEAN are implementing a US$30 million program over five years, covering HPC infrastructure development, human capital strengthening, and expanded use of AI to address social and environmental challenges.
ASEAN HPC Facility to Be Built in Indonesia
These commitments are being translated into concrete action through BRIN’s plan to establish an ASEAN HPC facility hosted at its HPC laboratory.
Rifki Sadikin, Head of BRIN’s Research Center for Computing, said the facility is designed as a shared computing infrastructure accessible to research communities across ASEAN.
“The ASEAN HPC facility is being developed as a shared platform to support cross-border research, particularly in AI and large-scale scientific computing,” Rifki said.
BRIN currently operates Indonesia’s national HPC system, MAHAMERU, located in Cibinong. The system comprises CPU and GPU clusters supporting a wide range of fields, including computational science, materials research, bioinformatics, AI, and big data. This experience forms the foundation for developing the ASEAN HPC facility.
Based on the initial proposal, the ASEAN HPC system is designed to reach up to 3.5 petaflops of computing capacity, supported by dozens of GPUs, high-performance CPU nodes, large-scale storage systems, and high-speed internal connectivity. Korea’s Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) has also indicated plans to enhance the system specifications beyond the original design.
Targeted to Begin Operations Next Year
To support the deployment of the ASEAN HPC facility, BRIN has prepared comprehensive supporting infrastructure, including data centers, reinforced flooring, increased power capacity, precision cooling systems, and data center safety and environmental controls. Coordination with KISTI is ongoing regarding procurement and shipment of the system from Korea to Indonesia.
“We are targeting delivery of the equipment early next year, followed by installation and on-site testing,” Rifki said.
Beyond infrastructure, BRIN is also developing joint governance and utilization schemes involving ASEAN representatives to regulate operations, access, and collaborative research programs. Cross-border connectivity via research networks is being explored to ensure equitable and efficient access to HPC resources for all ASEAN member states.
A New Foundation for Southeast Asia’s AI Future
Zurina Moktar, Head of the Science and Technology Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, stressed that strengthening HPC and AI capabilities is a core component of the ASEAN–Korea Action on Science, Technology and Innovation.
The regional HPC facility will support researcher capacity building, cross-border data utilization, and the development of AI-driven solutions for Southeast Asia’s digital transformation.
“This facility is not merely a computing infrastructure, but a long-term foundation for ASEAN–Korea scientific collaboration,” Zurina said.
With the development of the ASEAN HPC facility, Indonesia is consolidating its role as a regional hub for AI research and innovation, paving the way for data-driven, sustainable, and globally competitive technological advancement across Southeast Asia. (AT Network)
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